Irish Rail advertise for consultants to commence Navan rail line project
The journey to reinstate the M3 Parkway to Navan rail line is set to commence, with Iarnród Éireann today advertising for "multi-disciplinary consultants to assist in all stages of the project" including route selection, tendering and construction processes.
Following the tender process, advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union and e-tenders in Ireland, it is expected that consultants will be appointed in early 2024, to assist a newly established project team within Iarnród Éireann, to progress all elements of the project including:
Project Scope & Approvals
Project Concept
Feasibility & Option Selection, including route feasibility and confirmation
Preliminary Design
Planning & Statutory Process
Detailed Design & Tender Process and Contract Award
Construction & Implementation.
A statement from Irish Rail read: "Precise timing of the project will be determined by funding and planning approvals. However, the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy targets the opening of the rail line in the early 2030s, as a continuation of the current line from Dublin city centre to M3 Parkway, just west of Dunboyne.
"Navan is the administrative centre and largest urban centre in County Meath and has experienced rapid population growth over the last two decades, with its population increasing by 20 per cent between 2006 and 2016 alone, contributing to a projected population for Meath of up to 250,000 by 2040.
"A significant proportion of the county’s population, particularly along the N3/M3 corridor, travel to and from Dublin City each day for employment and education purposes.
"Having regard to the commuting patterns from this area and analysis work undertaken for rail provision along this corridor, the NTA confirmed in the updated strategy issued in 2022 that it is proposed to extend the rail system from the M3 Parkway terminus station to Navan town, serving Dunshaughlin and Kilmessan along its route.
"While planning works did take place in 2009 to 2011 on a possible Navan line, In the intervening period there have been considerable changes to legislation and, coupled with recent infrastructural developments along the proposed route options, concepts and route options will be developed in accordance with the latest NTA Project Assessment Guidelines.
The project is funded by the National Transport Authority under Project Ireland 2040.
A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann added: “This is an important milestone at the start of the journey to bring passenger rail services back to Navan, and other key population centres en route. We look forward to appointing skilled, experienced rail infrastructure design consultants to work with our project team, and progress this crucial project to bring sustainable rail transport to Navan.”
Local Fianna Fail Senator Shane Cassells described the announcement as a “huge step forward” and “proves that the will to deliver Navan Rail is now here.”
“This is a once in a lifetime project that is going to change the face of the capital of Meath.
“When I met with Irish Rail earlier this year they were clear that they were going to press ahead this year following the green light from government and that is exactly what they’ve done.
“There have been plenty of doubters about this project but the move to put consultants in place across all stages of this project shows the game is now on.
“Navan Rail has been committed to by government and the nuts and bolts of making it happen are now being put in place. It is great news for Navan,” enthused Senator Cassells.
More to follow...