Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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53. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 24 March 2021 and his comments in Dáil Éireann on the same date, his plans to bring forward the review of the Galway Transport Strategy, in particular the promised feasibility study for light rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32123/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Let me start by saying I share the Deputy’s resolve in relation to increasing the range and capacity of sustainable mobility options available to the people of Galway. As the Deputy knows, I agree with her on the merits of a feasibility study for light rail in Galway. I have previously stated how I believe that its potential, or otherwise, could best be considered within the context of the review of the Galway Transport Strategy generally to allow for a multi-modal perspective and importantly integration within an overall land-use plan.

In terms of the timing of that review, I have no plans to bring forward the review which will be led by the National Transport Authority, in co-operation with relevant local authorities. The review will be undertaken next year as committed to previously and will complement the review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area which is underway, as well as the development of transport strategies for both Limerick and Waterford which are either underway or scheduled to commence this year.

I also know from meeting many different stakeholders in the region the urgent need to focus on delivering the key elements of the existing Galway Transport Strategy such as BusConnects. I will continue to support the local authority in that regard with funding and other assistance offered through the National Transport Authority. I look forward to the Deputy’s support as we seek to deliver on this ambition in the years ahead.