Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will commence the process of planning to build the rail line from Dublin to Navan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24436/19]

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, which was adopted as the statutory transport plan for the region in 2016.

The Strategy stated that the level of travel demand between Navan and various stations to the city centre was insufficient to justify the development of a high-capacity rail link at that current time.  However the Strategy also stated that the issue of a rail link to Navan should be kept under review. This remains the case and the issue will be considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy which must be reviewed every 6 years following publication.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter raised, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.