Ireland’s National Transport Authority has published a feasibility study produced by Montreal-headquartered AtkinsRéalis that makes a case for a light rail transit (LRT) system in Galway.
The study concluded that, under the right conditions, an LRT system could attract around 7.5 million passengers a year by 2043, noting “a strong axis of east-west travel demand with the potential to shift to public transport”.
Demand would be enhanced if new housing was built along the system’s route, the study said.
Galway is one of Ireland’s fastest growing cities.
Its population now stands at just under 278,000, which is 47% higher than 25 years ago.
“A full range of options to enhance public transportation in Galway will need to be objectively assessed, but a light rail transit system would support the government’s Climate Action Plan by helping to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, with park and ride facilities playing an important role in supporting modal shift,” said Kieran Boyle, technical director at AtkinsRéalis.
The feasibility study will update Galway’s Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which AtkinsRéalis is producing for the Authority.
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