Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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136. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to undertaking a feasibility study of the railway line from Navan to Kingscourt, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6703/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy was previously advised, 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.

As the Deputy is aware, 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. This issue remains under review and will be specifically considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy, on which the NTA has commenced preparatory work.

The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns and 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 later this year. I look forward to the launch of the consultation and I would encourage all citizens and public representatives to participate in this important process.