Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has directed the Railway Procurement Agency to conduct feasibility studies for light rail systems in Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford; if not, the reason for same; his plans to develop light rail systems for cities outside of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17877/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As I have indicated to the House previously, the Programme for Government made a commitment to conduct feasibility studies into light rail systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. I subsequently asked the local authorities in these cities to use these studies to consider the feasibility of both light rail and bus rapid transit systems.

These studies, which are being carried out by consultants appointed by the relevant local authorities, with funding from my Department, are examining the most appropriate and feasible public transport systems for the cities in question, and are not being carried out by the Railway Procurement Agency.

In the case of Galway, the Study was adopted by the City Council on 8th March 2010 but I understand that the City Council are considering how to address a number of issues raised by Councillors before the Study is presented to me.

In the case of Cork, Limerick, and Waterford, the Studies are expected to be formally adopted in the coming months following completion of all the relevant local public consultation and adoption procedures in each case.

On the completion of these studies, I will consider their recommendations before making decisions on how best to enhance public transport in the four cities.