Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2348. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will commission a feasibility study to reopen the rail line from Navan, County Meath to Kingscourt, County Cavan in view of recent action plans. [31983/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra2446. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a train line will be opened to Kingscourt, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33636/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra2447. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to fund the re-establishment of the rail line from Dublin to Kingscourt, County Cavan; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33648/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2348, 2446 and 2447 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Project Ireland 2040 states that the priority funding objective in relation to mainline rail is the maintenance and renewal of the existing network. This is to ensure that it continues to provide a safe and reliable infrastructure that enables the provision of quality rail services for passengers across the country.
The funding secured under Project Ireland 2040 means that we are in a position to provide the steady state level of funding required through a recurring and significant capital investment of around €200 million every year from the taxpayer.
Another of the commitments contained within Project Ireland 2040 is to continue to keep under review the potential extension of the existing M3/Parkway Line northwards to Navan. The next review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area must be completed by 2021 and that review will reconsider the population and commuting forecasts in order to determine whether any revised Strategy might include such an extension. I understand that this review will commence in the latter half of next year.
I note that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area categorises the M3/N2 route as a core regional bus network, and with the Kingscourt area currently served by bus based public transport, the area will benefit from the planned improvements along that corridor under Project Ireland 2040.
I can confirm to the Deputy, however, that there is no funding allocated under Project Ireland 2040 for the reopening of the disused Kingscourt rail line nor to undertake a study on the line.
