I propose to take Questions Nos. 475, 476 and 478 together.
Under Transport 21, it is proposed that the Navan Railway Line will be developed in two phases. The first phase will involve the construction of a spur off the Maynooth line at Clonsilla to Pace, beyond Dunboyne, due to be completed in 2009. Subject to further studies it is proposed to implement phase 2 of the project, the extension of the line to Navan, by 2015.
Iarnród Éireann has already completed a feasibility study for phase 1 and funding for design and planning work for this phase has recently been provided by my Department. This work will allow Iarnród Éireann to submit an application for a Railway Order in mid-2007.
Under Section 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, Fingal County Council has now made a Supplementary Development Contributions Scheme in relation to the project. This will facilitate private developer contributions towards the cost of the project. A similar scheme is currently being developed by Meath County Council.
In the meantime, funding has been approved and planning permission granted for the construction of the new city centre station in the Docklands. The station, which is due for completion in 2007, will serve all services from Dunboyne.
In relation to the extension of the line to Navan, Iarnród Éireann informs me that discussions are underway with Meath County Council in relation to the terms of reference for a scoping study for this section of the line. The study will consider, amongst other things, route options, costings and the timeframe for implementation of this phase of this project. There are no proposals at present to extend the line beyond Navan.