Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Transport when he expects the feasibility study for the extension of rail line and services to Navan will commence; and his target date for making a railway order for the provision and upgrade of this line. [30067/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The planning and design of the Navan Rail Link is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand that the old Navan rail line will be re-opened in two phases with the first phase running off the Maynooth line, at Clonsilla, to the M3 interchange at Pace, near Dunboyne. There will be a major Park and Ride facility at Pace on the M3 interchange.

The current position regarding this phase is that detailed design work is underway and Iarnród Éireann expect to submit a Railway Order application in mid 2007 for statutory approval to enable the railway upgrade works to proceed with a view to completion of phase 1 in 2009 as provided for in Transport 21.

It is proposed to extend the rail line to Navan within the period of Transport 21. Iarnród Éireann and Meath County Council are developing terms of reference for a scoping study for the extension to Navan. I understand that the scope of work for the feasibility study has been defined and the procurement process for the engagement of consultants to carry out this work is expected to be completed by November and that the study should commence shortly thereafter.