Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alleviate traffic problems in Galway city, in view of Transport Infrastructure Ireland's report showing traffic volumes going into Galway city are up by almost 2,000 vehicles per day and, in particular, the traffic congestion at Parkmore industrial estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6106/17]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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Towards a National Planning Framework is an excellent document that identifies a number of elements, including the importance of the transition to a low-carbon society. It mentions a number of cities, including Galway, which could be exemplars of low-carbon living through more sustainable mobility and energy efficiency. In this context I ask the Minister to make a statement about the intolerable position in Galway, which has 96,000 vehicles at any given peak time. That is rising by 2,000 vehicles daily.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I thank Deputy Connolly for her question. As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and funding relating to public transport. Traffic management in Galway and other cities is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

I am advised by the National Transport Authority, NTA, that a transport strategy for Galway city was prepared by the National Transport Authority in partnership with Galway City Council and Galway County Council during 2016. That transport strategy set out an overall framework for the development of transport infrastructure and services in Galway city and its environs over a 20-year period. The strategy has been included in the new city development plan, which was adopted by the city council and came into force on 7 January 2017. I understand the transport strategy sets out the ambition for a vibrant city centre with through traffic rerouted around the central core area and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities. It also provides for an enhanced bus network, the development of park and ride sites at suitable locations and the construction of the Galway city outer bypass. Overall, the strategy represents a coherent and integrated set of proposals aimed at addressing the transport needs of the city and its surrounding areas.

With regard to congestion issues at Parkmore, I am told that Galway City Council, funded through the NTA under my Department's regional cities grant programme, has appointed a design team to examine options for possible short-term actions to address access into the business park, in addition to identifying a longer-term solution. Proposals for short-term interventions will be identified and assessed by the council by the end of February. Depending on the funding implications, I understand it may be possible to commence some of the smaller measures during 2017. It will be later in 2017 before the longer-term proposals are available. The funding requirement for the longer-term proposals is likely to be significant, and this will have to be examined in the overall budgetary context.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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I am disappointed with the answer as the Minister has a very important role in climate change mitigation measures. There is a proposal in Galway to go ahead with a project that will cost €600 million for 16.5 km of road that cannot be built in the near future. The outer bypass has already hit a cul-de-sac and we are going down a second one. We are failing in Galway and we need Government direction to say these projects are not complying with Government policy on sustainable development and a transition to a low-carbon economy. In the long and short term, it will cost the Government money. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has pointed this out and the Stern report from way back in 2006 also pointed it out.

It is really time to show leadership. This is a golden opportunity for Galway to lead the way with sustainable transport. In my view, that is light rail, but I am open to bus transport or a combination of same. We need leadership from the Government on this matter.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The N6 Galway city ring road is a component of the Galway transport strategy. It is being managed by Galway County Council on behalf of the city and county councils. The proposed N6 Galway city road comprises 11.8 km of dual carriageway between the existing N6 at Coolagh to the existing Ballymoneen Road and then continues as a single carriageway.

The planning and route selection process for the N6 started in 2014 following the successful legal challenge related to the interpretation of the habitats directive of the earlier An Bord Pleanála decision. The scheme business case is under preparation by Galway County Council for submission to this Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In view of the successful legal challenge to the previous scheme on environmental grounds, confirmation across departments of support for the project is likely to be sought once the business case and cost benefit analysis have been assessed. For a project of this scale, the requirements in the public spending code and the Department's capital appraisal framework mean that Government sign-off on the project will be required.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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I am unsure whether the Minister is aware of it, but the road he is referring to cannot be built within the coming five to seven years, even with the best will in the world. The road covers 16.5 km at a colossal price of €590 million, in addition to the €40 million already spent.

The proposed road project has now frozen two thirds of the 18 ha of residential zoned land bought at the height of the Celtic tiger. Two thirds of the 18 hectares of land purchased by Galway City Council is now frozen in a city with a major housing crisis. All of this is being done for a road that will lead to increased emissions rates and is not in compliance with Government policy to transition to low carbon.

I appeal to the Minister to show vision for Galway city and to lead the way in sustainable transport. Even if the road was the solution, it cannot be built in the near future. We need to lift 96,000 vehicles off the road in addition to the congestion at Parkmore. Over 6,000 people are employed there and approximately the same number of cars emerge from the industrial estate at peak times every day. This is directly as a result of bad planning.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Deputy may be aware that I was down in Galway recent weeks. I think Deputy Connolly was invited to come along.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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No, I was not, actually.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am sorry if she was not. I apologise for that because she should have been.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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I was not.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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That is my fault. I had thought all Deputies were invited. I apologise for that. I will come again. If Deputy Connolly wants to meet me, then I would be delighted.

I became somewhat familiar with some of the problems when I was there. I recognise that they are serious and that there is a role for the State. Certainly, we should recognise the problems there in a tangible way.

This is a major issue and it is as difficult for us as it is for the representatives from Galway. I became somewhat familiar with what happened at Parkmore. The problem will be difficult to resolve because the local authority is allowed to undertake business development without transport. This presents us with a difficulty. It is a local authority problem.