Lack of funding could derail GLUAS as Galway Council can't do it alone
Director of Services Derek Pender told this month's meeting of Galway City Council that the proposed light rail system cannot proceed as a standalone scheme and must instead form part of a wider transport strategy led by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
"There is a clear intention from the NTA to have a public consultation event in January next year and there will be a light rail component included in that," he said.
"The feasibility report is done and has been there for 18 months now. It is part of an overall transport strategy for the city of Galway.
"It is being led by the NTA as Galway City Council cannot do it solo. The re-enactment of the feasibility report will inform the document and that process has commenced."
Two years ago, a study by the NTA found there is a viable case for developing a light rail, or 'GLUAS', system in Galway, with the potential to cater for 7.5 million passengers per year.
The study identified strong demand for a GLUAS connection from Knocknacarra to Roscam via Eyre Square, Ceannt Station, University of Galway and University Hospital Galway, with a potential longer- term extension to Parkmore.
At the time, the cost of the project was estimated at up to €1.34 billion.
The NTA report concluded that light rail would be most effective when delivered alongside other sustainable transport projects, including the Cross City Link, BusConnects, CycleConnects and park-and- ride facilities.
Mr Pender reiterated that the light rail proposal can only be considered as part of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS).
GMATS is the long-term transport plan for Galway city and its surrounding commuter area, prepared jointly by the NTA, Galway City Council and Galway County Council. It sets out how Galway's transport network should develop as the population grows.
Mr Pender confirmed that Gluas "cannot go forward as a standalone project".
"From a resource point of view I can't deliver this," he said. "It has to be the NTA and that is just a fact. They are obliged to provide transport.
It cannot go forward as a standalone project. We don't have the resources.
"It is included in the GMATS and I will be backing the process. The GMATS includes every single part from active travel, roads, bus connectivity and light rail."
Chief Executive Leonard Cleary said the council had positive engagement with GLUAS representatives last month and is continuing to work towards advancing the project.
We are following a pathway to support the progression of the feasibility study at the appropriate time,” he said.
"We are conscious that we are still in the judicial review period for the ring road.”
Mr Cleary also confirmed they are in “ongoing weekly dialogue” with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
Former Mayor Mike Cubbard (Ind) called for the advancement of the feasibility study and said he was concerned by the NTA's timeline.
"How do we move it forward?" he asked.
"There seems to be a blocker every time we have that conversation. Who decides the appropriate time for a submission to move forward? I would not be waiting for the NTA to tell us what to do."
Galway City Councillors have given their unanimous support to plans for the light rail system as far back as September 2008.
Cllr Clodagh Higgins (FG) requested that the pace set by the NTA be discussed directly with the authority and called for a formal meeting with the transport body.
"I would like to acknowledge Brendan Holland and his team for continuing to champion the efforts of light rail in Galway," she said.
"The volunteers have been pushing the light rail agenda for God knows how many years. There are constantly blockers in the city. Let's be fair. We need every type of transport solution."
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme