The NTA has commenced the updating of the Galway Transport Strategy which was adopted in 2016. The updated strategy (GMATS) 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 (GMA). The GMATS will align with the existing national, regional and local policy and guidance.
As part of this process, NTA identified the requirement for a Light Rail Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study) to better understand the general feasibility for light rail in the GMA, and to investigate potential indicative alignments.
The final report of this study has now been published for information and will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus services, rail, roads and demand management measures. Full environmental assessment will be undertaken as part of the overall GMATS process, which will also include a full public consultation.
The Light Rail Feasibility Study is not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in the city; instead the final report 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.
