Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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50. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the Navan rail project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17362/26]

Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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51. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement his Department has had to date with landowners along the potential routes of the Navan rail project in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17363/26]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area sets out a framework for transport investment across the region from 2022 to 2042. The Strategy includes delivery of the Navan Rail line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals, and this plan is currently on target.

It is anticipated that a public consultation on the route options for the Navan rail project will take place in the middle of this year.

That public consultation process will ultimately result in a defined route for the Navan train line, and it will support the development of a Preliminary Business Case which will need to be approved by Government in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, before any planning application.

Subject to securing Government approval, it is anticipated that a planning application, or Railway Order, for the Navan rail project will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2028, and I would hope for a planning decision by 2029.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the 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 working days.