Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 183 of 22 September 2022 and 227 of 25 October 2022, the details of the promised feasibility study for light rail in Galway; the status of preparations for the carrying out of the feasibility study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55820/22]

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

A comprehensive review of all transport options will be carried out as part of the development of the new strategy and will specifically include a feasibility study for light rail in Galway city. This 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.

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.

Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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34. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding any assessments or reports carried out by his Department into extending an electrified train service to Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55187/22]

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programmeand its constituent projects.

Further extensions to DART services in the years ahead are being considered as part of the NTA’s review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The revised draft Strategyincludes proposals to extend DART services beyond Greystones to Wicklow. However, any such extension is a separate project to DART+ Coastal South and would require its own approvals.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter raised, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.