Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can hear the passion for this project in the Senator's voice.

I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Department of Transport. Under the review of the NDP, the Department is examining its investment plans in light of the programme for Government. The plan is based around outcomes. The Senator is correct, in that I will refer to the sustainable mobility of 1 million people. That is what we are discussing in the national development plan as opposed to specific projects. The Department's submission to the review examines the plan at a policy level and identifies revised strategic priorities instead of entering into a discussion of particular projects. However, I will discuss Navan in a moment. A draft national investment framework for transport in Ireland will underpin the Department's submission. It has four priorities: decarbonisation; protection and renewal; enhanced regional accessibility; and the sustainable mobility of people and goods in urban areas.

The issue of a rail connection to Navan is being re-examined as part of the NTA's review of the 20-year transport strategy for the greater Dublin area. The NTA is required to review and update the strategy every six years. That review is well under way. Initial public consultation has taken place and I am sure the Senator made a submission to it. The NTA has engaged external expertise to re-examine the feasibility of a Navan rail line. This assessment will be inputted into the overall review. The next step is a second round of public consultation on the draft revised strategy, which is expected to take place in the autumn. The Senator will be able to make a submission at that point as well.

I acknowledge what he said about an evidence-based scenario, a score-based metric and the fact that Navan is the only area without rail connectivity. I will pass his remarks on to the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton. The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 requires the preparation of a transport strategy for the greater Dublin area. The current strategy was published in 2016 and extends to 2035. The Act requires the strategy to be reviewed every six years. In line with this statutory framework, the NTA's transport strategy for the greater Dublin area is under review. The first stage of the consultation on the initial issues paper ended in January. In late 2020, the NTA appointed technical consultants to develop an assessment study incorporating a comprehensive analysis of the business case for a potential extension of the existing rail line from the M3 parkway close to Dunboyne to Navan. The outcome of the assessment is intended to inform an update of the transport strategy for the greater Dublin area.

The Senator mentioned Meath County Council. I understand the NTA is working closely with the council on undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the benefits of the project, encapsulating economic, environmental and societal benefits. A multi-criterion analysis of options in accordance with a common appraisal framework for transport projects and programmes is also due to commence shortly.An appraisal framework for transport projects and programmes is also due to commence shortly. A second round of public consultation is expected to be conducted in early autumn, probably September, with the revised strategy ready for publication mid-2022.