Guarded welcome for rail line inclusion in National Development Plan

The inclusion of the Navan Rail line in the government's €165bn National Development Plan, has met a mixed reaction.

The plan, announced yesterday by Minister Michael McGrath, specifically mentions the Navan Rail line, as it sets aside funding to progress the planning and design of the rail projects that will emerge from the review of the transport strategy of the Greater Dublin Area.

There was also a reiteration of earlier commitments to the Slane Bypass as well as the N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon, the N3 Virginia Bypass, the N3 Clonee to M50 and the N2 Ardee to south of Castleblaney.

However Taoiseach Micheal Martin acknowledged yesterday that he couldn't guarantee that all projects mentioned could go ahead.

Deputy Darren O'Rourke said the NDP was a major disappointment for Meath and warned it could be 15 years before the rail line is delivered, but Senator Shane Cassells said the commitment to fund the planning process for the rail line has revived a project that had been let die for the past decade.

Deputy O'Rourke said: “No dates, budget or guarantees are included, instead it’s still subject to a review. The Plan indicates that funding for the commencement of planning and design of the project will be available, if the review is successful, meaning it would be at least 15 years before the rail line is delivered.”

However, Senator Cassells said: “Getting it back on the books of a national plan and a commitment to fund its planning has been a massive piece of work and I want to thank Minister Michael McGrath for including it.

Deputy Peadar Tóibín said it was “incredible that any Government would launch a National Development Plan and in the same breath, warn that many of the projects may not actually happen.

“Despite the rail line's mention in the NDP, the government have still not committed to it. So we are cautious still in term of this. The rail line has been kicked around as a political football for so long now that many people are cynical on the government’s approach,” he said.

Thomas Byrne welcomed the inclusion of the Navan rail line.

“This is very welcome news for County Meath. The inclusion of this critical piece of infrastructure is testament to the commitment of Fianna Fáil in Government to deliver the rail line to Navan.

“We have always contended, both in opposition and in Government that the people of Meath deserve reliable, fast and efficient public transport. That will be delivered with the Navan rail line,” he said.

The inclusion of the long-awaited Slane Bypass also received a cautious welcome.

Michele Power of the Bypass Slane Committee welcomed the fact it was included in the plan, but pointed out that it has been included in many previous plans.

“I know a lot of work has been done on it and Meath County Council is hoping to get it to Bord Pleanala next year. Its inclusion does show intent and the money is there to bring it forward,” she said.

Cllr Wayne Harding said he was delighted that the Slane Bypass was still high on the priority list for government spending and he complimented Meath County Council on the public realm plan that will be submitted alongside plans for the bypass.

Deputy O'Rourke said the major roads projects for Meath - Slane Bypass, N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross, and M3 Clonee to M50 - haven’t moved in terms of priority in the three years since the last NDP was published.

“Minister Ryan’s comments in recent days raise serious questions about the commitment to deliver these projects. It is clear that roads projects have been significantly de-prioritised due to their impact on the climate. The Minister says he can’t guarantee every road project included in the plan will go ahead.”

“That’s simply not good enough for County Meath, where we are in desperate need for infrastructural investment,” he said.