Concerns have been raised that the suggested route for a light rail system for Galway City is ‘not ambitious enough’ – with mapping released leaving connections for a large swathe of Knocknacarra ‘up in the air’.

A study commissioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA) has found that there is  viable case for a such system in the city — dubbed ‘Gluas’ by a local campaign group which has spent many years pressing the case for it.

The suggested 14.8km route  — which would cost in the region of €1.3 billion — would stretch from Roscam in the east to the Gateway Retail Park in Knocknacarra, with  ‘potential corridor options’ extending to Parkmore and deeper into the main Knocknacarra residential areas.

Cllr John Connolly (FF) raised concerns on foot of the NTA’s feasibility study, saying he believed the report issued failed to fully account for Galway’s largest suburb.

“In the report, they’re talking about Knocknacarra in the greater sense, but Knocknacarra could mean Bishop O’Donnell Road or Cappagh Road – and there’s a significant distance between them,” he said.

The maps issued on Wednesday identify a corridor along which light rail would run, and while it is stated that this is not a “preferred alignment”, costings and estimated passenger numbers are based on this route.

The map shows the corridor ending at Gateway Retail Park, with ‘potential corridor options’ indicated further into the area which has a population of around 20,000 and rising.

Cllr Connolly, who is a Fianna Fáil candidate for Galway West in the forthcoming General Election, said it was concerning that while Knocknacarra was very much to the fore in the report, ending the corridor at Gateway was not reflective of what was required.

“The map should at least go to Cappagh Road. It’s unclear if the cost included in the report accounts for it going any further,” he said.

“Really and truly, with this I think we need to be looking at going as far as Bearna.”

Google Maps indicates that people living in residential areas along the Cappagh Road would have a 40-minute walk to get to the Gateway hub, while those living on Ballymoneen Road would face a 30-minute walk.

However, Senator Pauline O’Reilly (Green), has said that the corridor identified in the report was simply indicative.

“I have spoken to the National Transport Authority (NTA) and they have been very clear that it’s a corridor – not a preferred route.