Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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81. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure that permanent park and ride facilities are provided as a matter of urgency to both the east and the west of Galway city (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22135/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, a transport strategy for Galway City was prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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 twenty year period.  It includes a range of measures including the development of park and ride sites at suitable locations in the city.  The Strategy has been included in the new City Development Plan which was adopted by the City Council and came into force on 7th January 2017.  It is now primarily a matter for the local authority to pursue its implementation. 

A mid-term review of the Government's Capital Plan is currently underway and I will be seeking to improve the funding available for public transport over the remaining years of the Plan in order to meet increasing demand, tackle congestion in the Greater Dublin Area and in our regional cities including Galway and to help deliver on meeting our climate obligations by reducing emissions from the transport sector. 

I consider that one of the most important methods of tackling congestion over the short to medium term is to radically improve the bus system to deliver a step change in performance across the GDA region and in our regional cities and to complement that improved public transport system with a network of park and ride sites and I will be seeking to improve the funding available for this in the mid-term review of the Capital Plan.