Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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143. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline on the progression of the Navan rail line; and the most up-to-date estimated cost, including a breakdown of current and capital spend. [23753/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath. The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which I approved early last year, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042, and it provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for Counties Meath, Dublin, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow. Having a transport strategy is important to ensure we assess how the different modes can deliver for the region and also how we can sequence delivery to maximise benefits and deliver value for money.

The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line over the medium term.

I am pleased that the NTA has allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann for the establishment of a design team to commence work in 2024. This work will involve the route option selection, planning and design phases of the project. Iarnród Éireann has commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project. It is anticipated that a route options public consultation will take place in late 2025 or early 2026.

Following this design work and public consultation process, the project will then advance through the relevant Approval Gates and planning process as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.

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.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline on the progression of the western rail corridor; and the most up-to-date estimated cost, including a breakdown of current and capital spend. [23754/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As committed to in the current National Development Plan, the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor is being considered as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. This Rail Review was announced by Minister Ryan in 2021, in partnership with the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

The Review will inform the development of rail on the island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net carbon zero targets in both jurisdictions. Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft Report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July of last year.

The draft Review has focused on how the rail network across the island could contribute to the decarbonisation of the island’s transport system, promote sustainable connectivity into and between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and promote the use of rail freight. 30 recommendations have been put forward within the draft Review to achieve these goals, including reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry which is earmarked to commence by 2030.

The draft Review includes indicative costings, and it is estimated that reinstating the railway between Claremorris and Athenry could cost between €400 million to €600 million in 2021 prices. However, it should be noted that the analysis undertaken in the draft Review was based on a high-level, top-down assessment of the capital, maintenance, and operating costs of delivering the recommendations. All of the recommendations and interventions outlined within the Review will require detailed analysis on their potential costs and benefits and to secure relevant funding approvals prior to implementation.

The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions.

It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions shortly and that the final Review will be published immediately thereafter.