Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expedite the BusConnects Galway to Dublin roads project; and if his attention has been drawn to the inadequacy of public transport options in and to Galway city and its surrounding townlands. [21192/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. At a policy level I am firmly committed toward the timely improvement of sustainable mobility infrastructure and services in the Galway area and my Department is supporting that improvement through the funding being provided to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to bring about those improvements.

I think it important to recognise that progress is now being made with a number of significant projects currently being advanced. Late last year non-statutory public consultation took place on two of the Core Bus Corridors in the BusConnects Galway programme, including the Dublin Road Corridor as referred to by the Deputy. I understand however that there is a sequencing planned in relation to moving to construction, with the Cross-City Link proposed to be advanced ahead of the Dublin Road Corridor.  

As well as these improvements to the city’s bus system, funding has also been secured to support the city’s rail system with development of an integrated transport hub at Ceannt Station and upgrade works to the station and track infrastructure at Oranmore announced recently under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. My Department, through the NTA, is also funding a feasibility study into options for the Athenry-Galway Corridor generally.

As the NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Galway I have referred the specific query about the Dublin Road Corridor to it for consideration and direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.