Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest estimate for the cost of completing the restoration of the western rail corridor. [16928/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, both the 'Programme for a Partnership Government' and Project Ireland 2040 commit to an independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Western Rail Corridor (WRC). 

In this regard, Iarnród Éireann has appointed consultants to prepare a financial and economic appraisal in relation to the proposed extension of the WRC and, as detailed in the published tender documentation, the expected duration of the consultants’ work is 20 weeks.  This will involve appropriate consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

The findings of this  review will advise as to the business case for an extension of the WRC.  Project Ireland 2040 states that if the findings of the review are approved by Government, the project will be prioritised during the lifetime of the National Development Plan.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest estimate for the cost of completing the restoration of the Dublin to Navan railway. [16929/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, the issue of a potential extension of the existing Dunboyne / M3 Parkway line was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during its development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035.  

While the Strategy stated that based on current population and employment forecasts, the level of travel demand between Navan, Dunshaughlin and various stations to the city centre was insufficient to justify the development of a high-capacity rail link at that current time, it proposed an enhanced bus service along the corridor which I understand Bus Éireann has introduced, and the development of a bus hub in Navan which Meath County Council, in collaboration with the NTA, is currently progressing, as provided for by the Transport Strategy.

Importantly, the Transport Strategy clearly states that the issue of a rail link to Navan would be kept under review and considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy which the NTA is required to undertake before the end of 2021.  

A cost estimate for the  completion the Navan to Dublin  rail line, could only be developed following the completion of  any design work on the project.

In light of their statutory responsibilities on the matter I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.