Four new train stations are set to be constructed in County Meath as part of proposals for a new railway line linking Navan to Dublin.
Navan currently holds the distinction of being the largest town in Ireland without a rail connection, reports RTE.
Iarnród Éireann published its emerging preferred route for the 34km line this morning, alongside the opening of a public consultation on the project.
The proposal would extend the network from the existing line at the M3 Parkway near Dunboyne, with new stations planned for Dunshaughlin and Kilmessan, as well as two stations in Navan — Navan Central and Navan North, reports RTE.
Three “park and ride” facilities are also planned at Kilmessan, Dunshaughlin and Navan North.
Under the proposals, travel time between Navan and Dublin’s Connolly Station would be approximately one hour, reports RTE.
The line is designed to deliver direct DART services with the capacity to run trains up to every 15 minutes during peak hours, carrying as many as 4,400 passengers each way per hour.
The preferred route broadly follows the path of the original railway line, which was closed in 1963, reports RTE.
Iarnród Éireann indicated it will make use of the disused rail corridor wherever possible, though a “key revision” involves a realignment to better serve the expanding commuter town of Dunshaughlin and its surrounding areas.
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The public consultation period runs from today until 5pm on 3 July, reports RTE.
A second non-statutory public consultation will follow once the preferred route has been confirmed.
“The knowledge and insight of communities, residents, and businesses adjacent to the route, as well as other stakeholders, will inform the design and help Iarnród Éireann to shape the project plans, ensuring that it will maximise benefits for customers and the communities it will serve,” Iarnród Éireann said.
“As well as online feedback, a series of consultation events will be held for those who would like to learn more about the project,” reports RTE.
Iarnród Éireann confirmed that all submissions would be carefully reviewed by the project design team and would feed into the subsequent design development for the preferred option.
The project is being funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority and forms part of the NTA’s Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, reports RTE.
Calls for a Navan rail line have continued for many years as the town and its surrounding communities have grown steadily.
Meath’s population increased by 13% between 2016 and 2022, and according to the most recent census, the county had the highest proportion of workers commuting for over an hour each way, reports RTE.
At present, those travelling out of the county for work or education are largely dependent on private cars and bus services.
Bus routes from Navan are also coming under growing strain, with passenger numbers on the three main Bus Éireann Navan-to-Dublin services rising by 21% over the past three years, reports RTE.
A planning application for the new rail line is expected to be submitted in 2028, with construction anticipated to begin in 2030.
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