Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2019
212. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the updated strategic rail review as promised in the Climate Action Plan 2019 will include a Navan to Dublin rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27021/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2019 outlines a number of actions for my Department which will be implemented in line with the commitments given within the Plan.
I intend to very shortly present to Government the findings of the most recent Rail Review, including the views of the public and other stakeholders as regards the potential of the rail network to meet the economic, environmental and social needs of the State in the future.
Separately my Department will next year commence an evaluation of the economic benefits of high-speed rail on the main inter-urban network against improvements to existing line speeds, as committed to under Project Ireland 2040.
The Deputy is also aware that within the Greater Dublin Area, there is a statutory transport strategy, the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035, prepared by the National Transport Authority pursuant to the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (as amended). It is this statutory Strategy that provides the basis for particular transport initiatives within the region and the issue of the Navan rail line will be specifically considered as part of the statutory review of the current Strategy which I understand will commence during 2020.
