Galway Light Rail Transit Feasibility Study Report 

AtkinsRéalis has welcomed the publication of the Galway Light Rail Transit Feasibility Study Report by the National Transport Authority (Ireland).

AtkinsRéalis was commissioned to conduct the report, which concluded: “This study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing an LRT (Light Rail Transit) system in Galway. There is a strong axis of east-west travel demand with the potential to shift to public transport… The modelling indicates that annual demand of ~7.5 million passengers per annum could be achieved on this corridor in 2043.”

Kieran Boyle, Technical Director at AtkinsRéalis, said: “Our work for the National Transport Authority has demonstrated that a light rail transit system in Galway could deliver multiple economic, social and environmental benefits for the Galway Metropolitan Area, while delivering a safe, efficient, resilient and integrated transport system for all users. 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.”

The feasibility study was undertaken to inform an updated Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). AtkinsRéalis is the NTA’s consultants delivering this strategy which will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area (GMA).

This work continues AtkinsRéalis longstanding involvement in transportation projects in Ireland. Earlier this year the company was appointed by Irish Rail to develop feasibility studies for four possible new stations around Ireland, and to propose infrastructure improvements to increase capacity on the Limerick to Ennis and Athenry Lines. More recently, AtkinsRéalis was appointed to provide further client design and procurement services for Irish Rail’s flagship DART+ Programme in the Greater Dublin Area. The company also continues to provide significant services on the Metrolink project in Dublin including the advance works contracts packages and operations adviser.

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