I propose to answer Questions Nos. 355, 366, 367 and 368 together.
Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the Navan rail line in two phases. The first phase involves the development of a spur off the Maynooth line, at Clonsilla, to near the proposed M3 interchange at Pace, near Dunboyne.
I understand Iarnród Éireann has already completed a feasibility study for this phase and the company is currently in discussion with Meath and Fingal County Councils regarding the planning and design work necessary to advance this first phase. Funding for this design and planning work will be provided by my Department in 2006. When this work has been completed Iarnród Éireann will submit its proposals to me, including the alignment and projected costings for the project. A railway order will be required to allow construction of the line to proceed. Under Transport 21, phase 1 is scheduled to be completed in 2009.
A scoping study for phase 2 of the project, the extension of the line from Pace to Navan, will also be undertaken by Iarnród Éireann in 2006.