Rail Network
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-12
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Jerry Buttimer (FG), Cork South-Central

I thank the Senator for raising the matter on an ongoing basis and for her advocacy. The greater Dublin area transport strategy framework has a window for investment. The rail connection between Dublin and Navan was examined as part of the development of the strategy and, based on that examination, it is included in the final plan.
The strategy aims to see the delivery of the project between 2021 and 2026, and under the national development plan funding is allocated to advance the Navan rail line project to the submission of a detailed planning application for a railway order.
The Senator is right that the next milestone will be next week, on 20 May, with the announcement of the emerging preferred route for the line and the launch of the first non-statutory public consultation. That public consultation process, which will ultimately result in a defined route for the line, gives an opportunity for all involved and all interested to study the proposals, submit their views and have their voices heard.
It is anticipated that a railway order will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2028.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:55+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-12