Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

164. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the initiative to establish a rail service between Navan and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29708/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. The Transport Strategy provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for Counties Meath, Dublin, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow.

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 from Dublin to Navan and the final Strategy now includes delivery of the line between 2031 and 2036.

I am pleased that the NTA has allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann (or IÉ) for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line project this year. The work will involve the route option selection, planning and design phases of the project.

IÉ has commenced the procurement process for this preconstruction phase of the project and issued a tender to prequalified consultants at the end of May. It is envisaged that the contract will be awarded in the coming months.

It is anticipated that a route options public consultation for the project will take place by early 2026. I look forward to the Deputy’s support during the public consultation phase. That process will ultimately recommend a defined route and develop a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved by Government before it enters the planning system.

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