Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will commission a full feasibility study into light rail for Galway, including very light rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52575/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) expects to commence a review of the 2016 Galway Transport Strategy and the development of a new Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy by the end of the year.  The NTA will appoint a specialist team through open tender to assist them, in conjunction with Galway City and County Councils, in undertaking this work.

The programme of works will include a comprehensive review of all transport options. This will examine walking, cycling, bus, rail, park and ride, and traffic management, including management of goods movement.  It will specifically include a feasibility assessment for light rail in Galway city.  This approach will allow for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan, and to identify the optimal modal solutions to meet the transport needs of Galway. 

I understand that the 'very light rail' project that is being undertaken in the United Kingdom is currently at testing stage.  I believe that the potential, or otherwise, of very light rail can be considered as part of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.

The NTA will undertake a comprehensive public consultation exercise on a draft strategy as part of the development process with an expected publication of a final strategy before the end of 2023.  

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that the reduction in public transport costs for students will also be applicable to students who are resident in this State who are travelling to and studying at third level institutions in Northern Ireland. [52605/22]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s specific question in relation to discounted public transport costs for students resident in this State who are travelling to and studying at third level institutions in Northern Ireland, to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.