Renewed call for Navan-Drogheda rail line reinstatement

RENEWED calls have been made for the reinstatement of the Navan-Drogheda railway line, with the proposal highlighted as a potential boost to public transport across East Meath and Louth.

Laytown/Bettystown Fianna Fáil councillor Stephen McKee said restoring passenger services along the route could significantly improve connectivity for towns such as Navan and Duleek.

“This is an issue that I feel has huge merit,” he said. “Extending passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line would improve public transport options and provide a relatively fast link to Dublin.”

The proposal comes as work continues on the DART+ Programme, which will extend the electrified rail network from Malahide to Drogheda MacBride Station and increase capacity on the Northern Line between Dublin city centre and Drogheda.

Cllr McKee said reconnecting the line would strengthen links across the region.

“Reinstating the connection between Navan and Drogheda would create an enhanced service for commuters travelling between Navan, Duleek, Drogheda, Dublin and Belfast,” he said.

He also said the proposal should be considered as part of the new Meath County Development Plan currently in preparation.

“With the new Meath County Development Plan being worked on, this is an option that should be closely examined,” he said.

Drogheda and Navan were described as key population centres in the north-east, with improved rail links seen as a way to reduce reliance on car travel for workers and students in the wider catchment area.

“There is currently no passenger rail service running east-west between Meath and Louth,” he added. “Reinstating the Navan-Drogheda line would go some way to addressing that deficit.”