Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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41. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to approve funding for a feasibility study of a rapid transit service through the heart of Galway city; if this will include an examination of the advantages of light or very light rail over advance bus rapid transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13849/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Transport investment in all the major cities is guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies. Since 2016, transport strategies have been published in respect of the Greater Dublin Area, Galway and the Cork Metropolitan Area, with work continuing on the draft transport strategies for the Limerick-Shannon and Waterford Metropolitan areas.

This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.

In relation to Galway, the issue of light rail in Galway city was comprehensively examined as part of the development of the Galway Transport Strategy. The Strategyconcluded that a bus based public transport system, supported by various active travel and public realm improvements, represents the most appropriate system for Galway over the period considered by the Strategy.

I am eager to see progress on the delivery of the Galway Transport Strategyand welcome the non-statutory consultations held last year on two of the key Galway BusConnects corridors. I look forward to the delivery of much improved active travel infrastructure in the next few years as well as improvements to the commuter rail network, such as the proposals in relation to Ceannt Station, Oranmore Station and indeed the Athenry to Galway rail corridor generally.

I have met with advocates of, what is termed a ‘very light rail’ system in Galway, which I understand is technology at a very early stage of development in the United Kingdom and which is not currently in operation.

I believe that its potential, or otherwise, could best be considered within the context of a review of the Galway Transport Strategygenerally to allow for a multi-modal perspective and importantly integration within an overall land-use plan. As it is now six years since the publication of the Galway Transport Strategy, a review is likely warranted and I believe that such a review could commence next year.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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42. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he has had with Westmeath County Council regarding the possibility of reopening Killucan train station. [13856/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network including the former station referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

I can advise the Deputy that I met with members of Westmeath County Council and Iarnród Éireann last December regarding the possibility of reopening said station and I understand that the Council are considering the matter further.