Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am here on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to answer the Senator's questions on transport, particularly in the context of the Oranmore and Ceannt stations in Galway.

The Government recognises the importance of expanding sustainable mobility in the Galway area. I am glad to say that this recognition has been backed up by funding to ensure that this translates into reality. We want to deliver expanded active travel networks across the city. We want to improve bus services and infrastructure through the delivery of a BusConnects Galway programme. We also want to deliver improved rail services and infrastructure.

The good news is that there have been positive developments on all fronts in recent months. We want to see that development continue in the coming years. Under the national development plan on active travel, Galway will benefit from the increased funding now available to support working and cycling. Funding of almost €12 million was announced earlier this year to support projects in the city during 2021, and another €6 million has been allocated to Galway County Council also in 20201.

On bus transport, we have seen welcome progress on two of the Galway BusConnects corridors with both the cross-city link and the Dublin Road corridor out to public consultation towards the end of last year. Both of these corridors are hugely important for the city's transport future and the cross-city link in particular is fundamental to improving public transport in the city. I understand that the cross-city link will move into statutory planning process later this year, which will be a really important milestone.

Finally, the Senator highlighted two current rail projects. First, there is the proposed redevelopment of Ceannt station. This will expand the capacity of the station and improve passenger experience at the station itself. The project will be co-funded by the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, and the Department of Transport as part of the National Transport Authority's regional cities investment programme. I am informed that a multidisciplinary design team has been appointed by Iarnród Éireann, and that the team is currently undertaking detailed design development and the preparation of tender documentation for the construction stage. It is expected that tenders for the redevelopment work will be sought in the final quarter of this year with the contractor expected to be appointment mid-2022 and construction should finish during 2024. As the Senator will be aware, full planning permission for the project is in place.

Second, in terms of rail, there is the proposed improvement to Oranmore station. This project will see a new 1 km passing loop constructed at Oranmore. This will mean that trains will be able to pass each other and a new second platform will be constructed at the station. As with the Ceannt station project, these works will be co-funded through the URDF and the Department of Transport. I am informed that design work for the project is still at a relatively early stage and a full project timeline is under development. However, it is expected that all works will be completed during 2024.

The Senator is likely aware that the new Athenry to Galway rail corridor is being examined generally in terms of what other improvements might be necessary to expand its capacity up to and including, possibly, double-tracking into the city. As he conceded, there is significant activity under way to improve sustainable mobility in Galway. It is important that this activity translates into delivery on the ground and that Galwegians begin to see projects move from planning to construction. The latter is a move that I believe we will see emerge over the next 12 months.