VIDEO: Transport Minister confirms review of Navan rail line feasibility will happen next year

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has confirmed that a review into the feasibility of a Dublin-Navan rail line is being fast-tracked and will take place next year.

Speaking at today's Cabinet meeting on the Government's 'Future Jobs Ireland' initiative which was held in the OPW offices in Trim, Minister Shane Ross said the review of the much sought after rail corridor was being brought forward. His comments were endorsed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who said he wanted to see more carriages and frequency on the trains that would also serve his constituency in Dublin West. 

Responding to a question from the Meath Chronicle, Minister Ross said he was aware that the National Transport Authority had briefed Meath County Council just last week on the matter where they indicated that a review would begin in late 2020 and be completed by mid 2021 as part of the National Transport Strategy.

^{Ministers Damien English and Regina Doherty arriving for the Cabinet meeting in Trim's OPW offices. PHOTO: SEAMUS FARRELLY}

"I've been speaking to at least two of your local representatives, Regina Doherty and Damien English about that and that review has been brought forward and will take place in 2020."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar added that he had a "parochial interest" in the issue as trains that started in Pace and pick up in Dunboyne also stopped in his consituency of Dublin West adding that he wanted to see the line extended and made more frequent. He said he welcomed the news that a feasibility review was to take place in 2020.

The Taoiseach acknowledged Minister Shane Ross' announcement this week that €1bn in funding for major rail infrastructure over the next five years had been secured and the impact that would have on commuter train capacity. "I know for my constituents in Dublin West who regularly face getting on trains full with people coming from Meath and Kildare that they'll be welcoming that investment too."

_{Minister Shane Ross arrives at the OPW in Trim}

Minister Regina Doherty said: "We've been looking for this for a long time. I have to say we were probably somewhat disappointed when it wasn't included in the Project Ireland 2040 plan but Damien (English, Helen (McEntee) and myself as well as all the local representatives from the county have been lobbying hard to get that review brought forward on the basis that we are building thousands of houses in our county and inviting thousands of families to come and live in this beautiful place but they do have to have access to public transport that is reliable. So the review next year, I have no doubt, will prove the feasibility of that train to Dunshaughlin and Dunsany and Navan and I look forward to being here hopefully when it starts."

At last week's monthly Meath Co Council meeting several councillors were sharply critical about the progress being made on restoration of the rail line. Navan Mayor Cllr Tommy Reilly said that the NTA officials and the Minister should come to Navan early in the morning to see what it takes to try to get to Dublin. "A review of transport strategy was very little use to people who were being forced to leave their homes and families in the early hours of the morning in order to get to work on time.

More in Tuesday's Meath Chronicle.