Galway city, because of its "linear shape" makes it "mathematically suitable" for the development of a cost effective light rail system, according to a report by an NUI Galway mathematician.
The view is put forward in the recently published McGettrick Single Lane Tram Report, written by Dr Michael McGettrick of the School of Mathematics at NUI Galway. It has been welcomed by the GLUAS Team, which advocates for the development of a light rail system for Galway city, akin to that of the LUAS in Dublin.
'Galway is not too small if we build a system that equates to the population of our city'
"It was great to get a completely independent report with a positive result on why Galway should have a light rail," said GLUAS chair Brendan Holland, who also welcomed pledges by The Green Party in support of light rail studies for both Cork and Galway.
"It is likely the Greens will feature in negotiations to form the next government," said Mr Holland, "so we look forward to a favourable date when this study shall begin."
Mr Holland also pointed out that numerous small cities across Europe have developed light rail systems. "Smaller cities, all over Europe have done this, why not Galway?" he said. "We are not talking about a heavy duty 'Rolls Royce' Dublin version, that is unsustainable, but Galway is not too small if we build a system that equates to the population of our city."
