NTA say design team for Navan rail line will be in place by the summer

A DESIGN team for the Navan Rail Line is expected to be appointed this summer with public consultations expected in the latter part of 2025 or early 2026.

Dermot O'Gara, Head of Public Affairs, National Transport Authority said that in line with the National Development Plan, and as noted within the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, the Navan rail line is phased for delivery post 2030.

“In order to be in a position to deliver the project during this period, the NTA has allocated funding to Irish Rail in relation to the establishment of a design team to commence the option selection, planning and design phases of the project in 2024.”

In a statement issued to Cllr Emer Tóibín, he said Irish Rail had commenced the procurement process and was progressing the finalisation of the tender documents to be issued in the second quarter of this year.

“Once the consultants have been appointed, they will progress as outlined above which will include a public consultation. Whilst it is too early to indicate a precise timing of the public consultation, it is currently anticipated that a public consultation will take place in the latter part of 2025 or early 2026.”

Disappointment has been expressed at this latest progress update.

“The latest update given to us in Aontú offers little hope to the hard pressed commuters in this town and county, one of the fastest growing areas in the entire country, said Cllr Tóibín,

“Timelines are still disappointingly and unacceptably very far out, offering the Meath commuter little respite from the punishing commute over the next decade.”