Galway Public Transport Feasibility Study
The Galway Public Transport Feasibility Study which was funded by the Department of Transport was undertaken in 2009 to determine the potential for introducing new transport modes, including Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit and associated Park and Ride facilities. The Study was carried out by MVA Consultancy on behalf of Galway City Council.
The Report brings together the recommendations that have been identified and brought together following an in-depth study process that has included:
- A baseline study to identify the statues quo of traffic, transport and land use planning issues in Galway based on a review of relevant previous studies, policy documents and technical analysis of relevant data (notably Census data);
- A consultation process to identify and understand relevant issues and concerns amongst key stakeholders and the public;
- The development of appraisal objectives, which defined what the transport system should aim to achieve, either directly or through their influence on other policy or other related measures (e.g. spatial planning) and thereby facilitated the assessment of the preferred package of interventions;
- The development of a multi modal model for Galway City and its surrounds, used for the purpose of assessing the relative transport merits of various transport options, and for subsequent appraisal of the economic and environmental benefits of the preferred set of recommendations;
- A financial and economic appraisal, engineering feasibility of recommended future pubic transport and other sustainable transport options for Galway; and
- Consideration of complementary measures, some of which were considered necessary to support integration and feasibility of future transport options.
This study should be regarded as the first phase in the major step change in the upgrading of the public transport system in Galway. The next phases relate to planning and implementation of the Strategy. Further appraisal, planning and design of specific study recommendations are required to facilitate its full implementation.
The report has been considered by the Council at its meeting in March, 2010, and the recommendations have been endorsed by the City Council.
