Galway Light Rail Update
In 2024 The National Transport Authority (NTA) commenced the updating of the Galway Transport Strategy, which provides a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport in the Galway Metropolitan Area (GMA). The updated strategy, known as GMATS, will inform the future development of transport needs for Galway, enabling it to continue to serve as the economic and cultural center of the West of Ireland.
The GMATS will replace the 2016 Galway Transport Strategy and will be used to inform the development of active travel, bus services, rail, roads, and demand management measures across the GMA, including the potential for light rail.
As part of this process, NTA identified the requirement for a Light Rail Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study) to better understand the general feasibility for light rail in the GMA, and to investigate potential indicative alignments.
Light Rail Feasibility Study for Galway | National Transport
October 2024
The Light Rail Feasibility Study was not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in the city; instead the final report explores key issues and potential feasibility. Route options will need to be explored in more detail during any subsequent process of options assessment and development.
Update 1 July 2026: It is anticipated that a new draft Galway Metropolitan Area Transportation Strategy (GMATS) will go to public consultation early next year, with a finalised Strategy in place in 2027.