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Rail Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2019

Wednesday, 10 April 2019

Ceisteanna (178)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

178. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest estimate for the cost of completing the restoration of the Dublin to Navan railway. [16929/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.  

While 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, it proposed an enhanced bus service along the corridor which I understand Bus Éireann has introduced, and the development of a bus hub in Navan which Meath County Council, in collaboration with the NTA, is currently progressing, as provided for by the Transport Strategy.

Importantly, the Transport Strategy clearly states that the issue of a rail link to Navan would be kept under review and considered again as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy which the NTA is required to undertake before the end of 2021.  

A cost estimate for the  completion the Navan to Dublin  rail line, could only be developed following the completion of  any design work on the project.

In light of their statutory responsibilities 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
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