Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the progress made on the roll-out of park and ride facilities in Galway city; the sites identified; the completion date for the roll-out in view of the fact these objectives were first identified in the city development plan in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7742/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including provision of park and ride facilities across the country.  

As the Deputy is aware, Park & Ride is a key component of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS)published by Galway City Council and Galway County Council in 2016, and developed by the Councils with support from the National Transport Authority (NTA). The GTS has since been adopted into the development plans of the two local authorities and was a key factor in Galway City winning the European Green Leaf designation for 2017. The provision of particular infrastructure under the GTS, such as Park & Ride facilities at specific sites, is a matter for the relevant local authorities in the first instance.

I understand that there is engagement currently underway with the NTA with regard to potential funding towards developing Park & Ride sites under the Sustainable Urban Grants programme and also the roll-out of BusConnects to Regional Cities in the context of the upcoming 10 year National Developmemt Plan.