Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will consider a feasibility study of the Navan-to-Kingscourt railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35764/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As indicated in my reply to the Deputy's similar questions in September, I am informed that Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) has no current plans to reopen this line, nor to undertake a feasibility study at this time. I am also informed that a potential re-opening of the line does not feature in the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.

The issue of a potential extension of the existing Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line to Navan was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during its development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035. As the Deputy is aware, this issue remains under review and will be specifically considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy.

The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns since the finalisation of the current Strategy.

The review will be subject to a full public consultation, including the publication of all background reports and feasibility studies and that public consultation will take place next year.