Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
307. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration has been given with respect to the possible reopening of the general rail line between Drogheda and Navan, given the infrastructure is in place, and with consideration to the planned expansion of the DART services to Drogheda by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17529/23]
View answerAs 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.
