Galway transport strategy back on track after Ring Road approval
Works on the Galway Metropolitan Area Transportation Strategy (GMATS) have resumed after a 14-month wait for a decision on the N6 Ring Road.
In May 2025, the GMATS was halted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as the Galway City Ring Road, which would greatly affect transportation outcomes in Galway, awaited planning approval.
The Ring Road was approved in April and has completed its statutory process, so the NTA and Galway City Council have started their proverbial engines on the strategy once again.
The GMATS has looked at long-term transportation plans for the Galway metro area since 2022. This includes active travel, BusConnects, rail, management services, and light rail – the GLUAS.
“Recent research by the NTA shows 67pc of people travel into Galway City’s retail core arrived by bus, rail, walking or cycling. This shows an appetite for an alternative to the car, and the potential for more active and sustainable travel, making Galway a more attractive place to live, work, study and invest,” Galway City Mayor Helen Ogbu said.
“Light Rail may play a role in the sustainable transport mix for Galway City in future – and I welcome the NTA’s engagement and support to ensure the most appropriate solutions are progressed for our city”.
Feasibility studies on light rail were completed in late 2024, showing the infrastructure could be suitable for the city. It has been estimated that a light rail would serve approximately 7.5 million passengers per year and significantly alleviate traffic congestion.
“The research identified an east-west corridor through the city, which would be likely to have the strongest potential for light rail – with a series of different options which could cater for the future development of the city also considered,” Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council.
“While these route options are preliminary, and would need to be explored further, they are insightful in terms of potential options to tackle congestion and deliver sustainable development in the Galway Metropolitan Area, as part of a wider strategy encompassing active travel, public transport, roads and demand management measures.”
Upon completion of the GMATS, Galway City Council will submit the strategy for public consultation in early 2027, with hopes to publish the finalised version later that year.
However, judicial review proceedings relating to the Ring Road were lodged in the High Court in May.
In response to the Irish Independent, Galway City Council said: “The GMATS process has formally recommenced notwithstanding the ongoing Judicial Reviews.”
This article was amended on July 22 to reflect a comment from Galway City Council.