- GMATS will provide a new long-term strategic planning framework to inform transport needs for Galway Metropolitan Area.
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Potential for Light Rail Development to be considered, in line with previously completed report.
Galway City Council welcomes the reactivation of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transportation Strategy (GMATS) by the National Transport Authority (NTA). This important Strategy will identify the transport needs for Galway and inform the future development of Galway, enabling it to continue to serve as the economic and cultural centre of the West of Ireland.
Following the recent conclusion of the N6 Galway City Ring Road statutory processes, the NTA, working in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and Galway City and County Councils has recommenced the development of GMATS. When this process is complete, GMATS will replace the Galway Transport Strategy, adopted in 2016. The new long-term strategic planning framework will be used to inform the development of active travel, bus services, rail, roads and demand management measures across the Galway Metropolitan Area, including the potential for light rail.
It is anticipated that the draft GMATS will go to public consultation early next year, with a finalised Strategy in place in 2027.
In October 2024, the National Transport Authority published a Galway Light Rail Transit Feasibility Study Report, as part of the updated Galway Transport Strategy, the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). This Feasibility Study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway and with an estimated annual demand of approx. 7.5 million passengers per year.
Galway City Council has also highlighted the importance of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS) in its submission to the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), noting its role in supporting a coordinated, citywide public transport network and improved connectivity across the metropolitan area. GMATS will be central to delivering an integrated and sustainable transport system for Galway.
Pending the outcome and adoption of the updated GMATS, Galway City Council supports the inclusion of a research proposal on the feasibility of Light Rail in the Galway City Development Plan process, and in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). These would be important steps in establishing the strategic and policy basis necessary for the future development of transport solutions in Galway, including the potential for Light Rail.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, said, “Recent research by the NTA shows 67% 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. 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”.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council said, “The 2024 NTA Light Rail Feasibility Report reviewed the general feasibility for light rail in the Galway Metropolitan Area, and potential indicative alignments, showing the corridors with the greatest potential for light rail in the GMA. 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. 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. Galway City Council welcomes the progression of the GMATS and engagement with the National Transport Authority to progress an appropriate and effective transport system for Galway City now and into the future”.
Senior Management in Galway City Council met with the Gluas Committee on 6 May 2026, to discuss the potential for light rail in Galway City.
The NTA Light Rail Feasibility Study for Galway is available at https://www.nationaltransport.ie/publications/light-rail-feasibility-study-for-galway/