John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the publication of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Plan. [46333/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). This strategy will replace the existing Galway Transport Strategy adopted in 2016 and will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.

As part of the development of the new GMATS, mode specific analysis is being undertaken in the form of a Light Rail Feasibility Study and a Strategic Roads Feasibility Study. Both studies will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multi-modal GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand management measures.

The Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA on 30 October 2024 for information. The study is not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in the city; instead, it explores key issues and potential feasibility. Route options will need to be explored in more detail during any subsequent process of options assessment and development.

In relation to the Strategic Roads Feasibility Study, in January 2023, the High Court remitted the application for approval of the N6 Galway City Ring Road back to An Bord Pleanála for further consideration. An Bord Pleanála have asked Galway County Council to provide additional updated information in relation to the planning consent application for the Ring Road. The NTA is of the view that this updated information, when provided to An Bord Pleanála, should also be considered in the preparation of the GMATS and prior to publication of a draft strategy for public consultation.

In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway Transport Strategy. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel, bus and rail related projects including BusConnects.