Views sought on proposals for a new town centre development for Navan

The public is being asked its views on proposals for a new town centre development off the Carriage and Trim Roads.

Meath County Council is preparing an overall Master Plan for the lands which includes the potential location for Navan Central Rail Station as part of the new proposed Navan Rail Line.

The council currently has a public consultation survey online and is asking the public to participate.

Last month, derelict buildings on the land were demolished and vegetation cleared.

These lands are zoned in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 for primarily ‘Commercial Town or Village Centre’, mixed uses as well as community and open space.

The public is asked for its views on the proposal for the railway station as well as a possible hotel or cultural facility, retail properties and high quality housing.

The development will include a public open space and the council is seeking views on a possible plaza, seating, a playground, outdoor gym, a flexible event space and a formal garden.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy stressed the importance of the survey.

“It gives people an opportunity to take part in the design process and I’d like to see as many people as possible participate in that process.

“The most important piece of infrastructure on this development is the proposed train station. Its delivery will attract business to the town, creating employment opportunities.

“It will take cars off the road, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and congestion problems. And we will be connected to the rail grid bringing multiple benefits in terms of connectivity, tourism and economic growth. It really will be a game changer for Navan.

“There’s a great mix of questions on the survey, some of the proposals like a pedestrian and cycle link with Páirc Tailteann to the provision of a public plaza show an ambition on the council’s part to design a communal space that people will enjoy for decades to come. Make sure and have your say is my advice,” he said.

The online survey is available to complete on Meath County Council’s online portal by clicking here.

A DART style rail service is expected to finally come to Navan between 2030 and 2035 under the NTA’s Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy.

Iarnród Éireann appointed consultants for the project last November and said they were hopeful that a preferred route for the project would be identified by the end of 2026.

The project involves a new rail line of approximately 40 kilometres from the existing terminus station at M3 Parkway north of Dunboyne to Navan, delivering direct Navan to Dublin city centre rail services.

Scope and design development and route option selection is currently underway and will include public consultation before a Railway Order (equivalent of planning permission) application to An Bord Pleanála is made in 2027.