Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:560. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs of completing phase 2 of the Navan to Dublin rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8124/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 February 2019
Ceisteanna (560)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware the issue of a potential extension of the existing Dunboyne/M3 Parkway line was considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) during its development of the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035.
The Strategy stated that based on current population and employment forecasts, the level of travel demand between Navan, Dunshaughlin and various stations to the city centre was insufficient to justify the development of a high-capacity rail link at that current time. Instead the Strategy proposed an enhanced bus service along the corridor and the development of a bus hub in Navan. In this regard, I understand that Bus Éireann has introduced improved bus services while Meath County Council, in collaboration with the NTA, is currently progressing the development of a bus hub as provided for by the Transport Strategy.
Importantly, the Transport Strategy clearly states that the issue of a rail link to Navan should be kept under review and that the corridor previously identified for a Navan rail link should be protected from development. This issue remains under review and will be considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy which must be reviewed every 6 years following publication.
In light of their statutory responsibilites on the matter I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A