Navan rail line feasibility report set to be published next month

The assessment study into the feasibility of extending the existing railway line from where it currently terminates at M3 Parkway to Navan is approaching its closing phase, the National Transport Authority has revealed.

The NTA said in correspondence to Meath East Sinn Fein TD, Darren O'Rourke that a draft of the updated Transport Strategy is expected to be published for public consultation in the coming months (provisionally September), and it is intended that the "full assessment report for the Navan Rail Line will be made available as part of that public consultation process, allowing for detailed review and feedback."

Deputy O’Rourke, has given a cautious welcome to the news and said the two climate change reports from the IPCC and EPA published this week, highlight the absolute need to invest in vital public transport projects such as the Navan rail line to help meet our climate objectives.

“The National Transport Authority are currently carrying out an assessment study into the feasibility of extending the existing rail line from the M3 Parkway to Navan.

“This analysis is examining the need for the project and its alignment with national, regional and local policy, establishing its benefits and undertaking an economic and financial assessment of the project.

“Crucially, it will also include an examination of the cost of the project and outline budget estimates for its implementation.

“The NTA have confirmed to me this week that their assessment is approaching its closing phase and it’s intended their findings will be published in September, alongside the updated draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, which is to be put out for public consultation. This is later than originally expected but I welcome the fact that progress is being made and that we have a more firm indicative date for publication. It would be important that we don't have any further slippage on timelines, though.

“There is no doubt in my mind about the need for this project, but this assessment will contain valuable data on this important project.

“This week we’ve had two major climate change reports published, one from our own Environmental Protection Agency and another from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“These reports lay out the harsh reality of climate change, the impact it’s having and the consequences to come if we don’t act now.

“These reports cannot just be added to the mountain of evidence in this area. We need tangible action, not more empty rhetoric.

“We need to start taking ambitious decisions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and the transport sector will play a key role in this.

“Projects like the Navan rail line can take thousands of car journeys off the road each day, reducing emissions and improving air quality, all while providing a quick transport link to the capital for work, leisure and tourism."

FULL NTA STATEMENT:

An assessment study into the feasibility of extending the existing railway line from where it currently terminates at M3 Parkway to Navan is approaching its closing phase. The study will consider the need for the project and its alignment with national, regional and local policy, establish its benefits and undertake economic and financial assessment of the project, examining the cost of the project and outlining budget estimates for its implementation.

The report will form an input into the review process for the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. A draft of the updated Transport Strategy is expected to be published for public consultation in the coming months (provisionally September), and it is intended that the full assessment report for the Navan Rail Line will be made available as part of that public consultation process, allowing for detailed review and feedback.