Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department examined the viability of extending services to include passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line as a possible option to improve public transport options for all those living in Navan and towns on the route such as Duleek, thereby providing a rail link to Dublin from Navan in a relatively inexpensive and fast manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18447/23]

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.