Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to speed up the delivery of the critical rail link from Pace to Navan; if this project will be delivered sooner than 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40965/06]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Transport the amount of money spent to date by his Department specifically on the Pace to Navan section of the proposed rail line; if he will provide a breakdown on this amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40970/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.

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. The current position regarding this phase is that detailed design work is underway and Iarnród Éireann expect to submit a Railway Order application in 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.

Under Phase 2 it is proposed to extend the rail line to Navan within the period of Transport 21. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that it is about to appoint consultants to undertake a scoping study on the this Phase (Pace to Navan). The terms of reference have been agreed with Meath County Council. I understand that there has been no expenditure to date on Phase 2.