Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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307. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any consideration has been given with respect to the possible reopening of the general rail line between Drogheda and Navan, given the infrastructure is in place, and with consideration to the planned expansion of the DART services to Drogheda by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17529/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and implementation of the DART+ Programme and commuter rail.

The issue of a rail connection to Navan has been most recently re-examined as part of the NTA’s review of the statutory Transport Strategy for the GDA which I approved earlier this year and which was published in January. The Strategy is informed by extensive analysis, research and public consultation and concluded that rail services to Navan are best served through extension of the existing M3 Parkway commuter line onward to Navan. A project of this scale will require significant planning and design with delivery of the actual project proposed to commence post 2031.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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308. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the full publication of the All-Ireland Rail Review; if he will provide an update on the progression of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17530/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the Review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.

Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage. However, before the Review can be formally approved it will require consideration under relevant environmental regulations, in particular the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) regulations. If deemed applicable, then a draft of the Review will need to be published for public consultation under the relevant environmental regulations before it can be formally finalised and approved. It is anticipated that any such consultation for the purposes of the environmental regulations would take place during Q2.   

Following the completion of environmental regulatory procedures and finalisation of the report, the Review will be submitted for my formal approval and ultimately to Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.

It is expected that the final Review will therefore be published in the second half of 2023.