Written answers

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of John ConnollyJohn Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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184. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions being proposed within his Department following the publication in October 2024 of the light rail feasibility study for Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51259/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis 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 30th October 2024. The Light Rail Feasibility Study is not a stand-alone document and has been published for information only. The Feasibility Study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. The Feasibility Study does not identify a preferred alignment for light rail in the study area and is only intended to explore issues and potential feasibility. The indicative route options presented in the final report would need to be explored further, following any decision to further progress light rail for the city.

The NTA considers that it is appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road to adequately inform the development of the draft Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Once sufficiently developed it will be opened to full 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.

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans in place to improve rail services on the Rosslare rail line south of Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51679/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Photo of Micheál CarrigyMicheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a breakdown of investment per railway route, the current investment, and the investment per year from 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51583/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, including rail. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.

Iarnród Éireann's are better placed to provide a breakdown on the funding allocated to individual projects or routes. As such I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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