NTA to consider reopening of the Navan-Drogheda rail line for commuters

The National Transport Authority has indicated that it will look at the possibility of reopening of the Navan to Drogheda rail line to commuters.

The authority agreed to consider the move following a recent meeting with Deputy Peadar Tóibin.

“The argument the NTA used against the reopening of the Navan Drogheda line in the past was that the commute time would be too long via Drogheda. However they have now admitted that it would be much less than the current four hour nightmare commute facing people and the cost would also be significantly lower,” Deputy Tóibín said.

He has also submitted a parliamentary question on the issue.

He said there was an existing functional rail line from Navan to Drogheda. “Shockingly its not being used at all. Even the rail freight from Tara Mines to Drogheda has ceased in recent years with no reopening date given.

“In my meeting with the NTA, I told them the reopening of the Navan to Drogheda line would be of benefit to the thousands of people who work in Duleek, Drogheda and north Dublin. It would open up Balbriggan, Portmarnock, Malahide, Swords, Clontarf and Eastpoint Business Park, never mind the city centre. It would also open up Dundalk, Newry and Belfast to Meath commuters. It is good news that the NTA will now reconsider this opportunity.”

He said the Meath on Track campaign will be ramping up over the next few weeks. “We will be hanging Meath on Track Banners on M3 bridges soon to raise the profile of our objectives. We are not giving up. It’s too important,” he said.

The NTA has been approached for comment.

Meanwhile, Government ministers have been urged to speed up the delivery of the Navan rail line, which has been described by councillors as essential to enable compact and sustainable growth in the Eastern Region.

The Eastern and Midlands Regional assembly (EMRA) has written to Housing Minister, James Browne,Transport Minister, Darragh O’Brien and Infrastructure Minister, Jack Chambers calling for the rail line and other rail projects to be expedited.

Cllr Mike Bray, one of the three Meath representatives on EMRA said they consistently use their position to ensure that Meath is fully represented in all EMRA submissions and policies where relevant.

“In December, EMRA members highlighted to Ministers our strong welcome for the major capital investment under the National Development Plan, which will benefit the entire region, while also calling for actions to strengthen the delivery of these projects.

“As part of this letter, the Navan Rail Project was specifically highlighted as a key priority, and we strongly advocated for its speedy delivery, given the significant benefits it will bring to communities across Meath.”

Cllr Joe Fox, who is also a member of EMRA said they had written to the Ministers in order to ensure the focus is kept on projects like the Navan Rail Line and the extension of Dart to Drogheda and Kilcock.

Cllr Fox said he would also be pressuring the Ministers to see the Dart extension continued to Enfield and the reopening of the Hill of Down station.

The letter to the Ministers welcomed the unprecedented capital investment under the National Development plan but warned against any delays in regionally important light and heavy rail projects such as the Luas Expansion, MetroLink and the DART+ Programme as well as the Navan Rail line.

The letter also called for sufficient funding for walking and cycling infrastructure and called for investment along the N81 corridor in West Wicklow.

Following his recent meeting with the NTA, Deputy Tóibín, said the building of the Navan to Dublin Rail line was a priority of the people of Meath.

“Despite a start to the planning process for the Navan to Dublin Rail Line, there is no date its construction.”