There have been a number of positive steps forward for public transport in Galway over the last number of weeks, with the confirmation of funding for a light rail system and other traffic initiatives in the city.

Last week in a post-budget briefing, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the study would assess the most suitable public transport service to cater for expanding commuter belts in the city. Galway Green Party Councillor Niall O Brolch?in has welcomed the news, saying that light rail will provide a cleaner alternative for the city.

"I welcome this honouring of the commitment to carry out a feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is a key element of Green Party transport policy. A light rail system offers a clean, alternative option to the car and has successfully taken thousands of commuters off the road in Dublin. I look forward to a positive report being produced in the shortest possible time," said Cllr O Brolchain.

"I have lobbied hard for such a project and we are making good progress locally with as many as three sets of consultants expressing an interest. We have had unanimous backing from Councillors for a light rail project in Galway City. This project is included in the ten year City Development Board strategy for Galway City and was originally adopted as a key policy of Galway City Community Forum",

Fellow councillor Mike Crowe this week also welcomed news that the Dept of Transport have committed to funding the various transport initiatives that need to be put in place in the city.

"Over the last number of months, in my capacity as Chairperson of the Transport Committee in Galway City Council, I have been working closely with the Director Of Services for Transport, Ciaran Hayes, Director of Transportation Unit, Joe Tansey, and also the City Manager in order to progress public transport in Galway. Earlier in the year, we passed the bus study, which is a major part of public transport and I believe along with park and ride, is fundamental in developing a proper public transport system in Galway."

"I am delighted that after much lobbying and speaking out in favour of these types of projects that the Department of Transport are going to fund these projects 100 per cent on a case by case basis and fund the staff in the new transportation unit by 50 per cent. These two developments are significant in getting these projects to the next level and along with other initiatives such as the variable messaging service, which will tell drivers entering the city how many car park spaces are available and where, are vital in the development of public transport. My own view is that light rail is some time away yet in Galway but I think you should always be looking to the future and it is no harm to get the views from a expert on what may be suitable for Galway City," concluded Cllr Crowe.

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