Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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113. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 3 March 2022, the timeline for the upcoming review of the Galway Transport Strategy; the terms of reference for the review; the timeline and terms of reference for the promised feasibility study for light rail in Galway which will be undertaken as part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20076/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware the review of the Galway Transport Strategy will commence later this year and will be led by the National Transport Authority (NTA), in cooperation with Galway City Council and Galway County Council.  

As I have noted previously there is a need to review the Strategy and take stock of developments since its publication in 2016.  In my view, the feasibility study for light rail in Galway is best considered within the context of this review rather than carrying out a stand-alone study.  This approach allows for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan. 

The review of the Strategy will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns since the finalisation of the current Strategy.  This analysis will be utilised to reassess the public transport needs across Galway city and the potential role all modes of transport, including light rail, can play in meeting those needs.