Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy, launched in 2016; when the updated transport strategy for Galway will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33845/25]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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137. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 8 May 2025, the progress made on the roll-out of light rail for Galway following the publication of the feasibility study on 30 October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33846/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 137 together.

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 feasibility 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. The study has shown that there could, under the right conditions be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. Any future light rail project will depend on funding and government approval.

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 (GCRR) back to An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) for further consideration. On 15th April 2025, Galway County Council provided additional updated information in relation to the planning consent application for the Ring Road, and the application is now with An Coimisiún Pleanála for its review and consideration.

The NTA considers that it is appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road application. The NTA will then review the timeline, and publication date for the GMATS when this determination has been made.

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.