Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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543. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a feasibility study will be requested into the opening of a rail line from Dublin to Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41703/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, Project Ireland 2040 states that the priority funding objective in relation to mainline rail is the maintenance and renewal of the existing network. This is to ensure that it continues to provide a safe and reliable infrastructure that enables the provision of quality rail services for passengers across the country.

The funding secured under Project Ireland 2040 means that we are in a position to provide the steady state level of funding required through a recurring and significant capital investment of around €200 million every year from the taxpayer.

As you know, another of the commitments contained within Project Ireland 2040 is to continue to keep under review the potential extension of the existing M3/Parkway Line northwards to Navan. The next review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area must be completed by 2021 and that review will reconsider the population and commuting forecasts in order to determine whether any revised Strategy might include such an extension. I understand that this review will commence in the latter half of next year.

I note that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area categorises the M3/N2 route as a core regional bus network, and with the Kingscourt area currently served by bus based public transport, the area will benefit from the planned improvements along that corridor under Project Ireland 2040.

I can again confirm to the Deputy however, that there is no funding allocated under Project Ireland 2040 for the reopening of the disused Kingscourt rail line nor to undertake a feasibility study on the line.