The project, which is part of the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (2022-2024), aims to be delivered between 2031 and 2036, pending the completion of planning and pre-construction phases.
The NTA has allocated funding to Irish Rail for initial design and planning.
Irish Rail is currently in the middle of a procurement process for consultants to work on the route selection, planning and design phases. It’s estimated that public consultation on route options will be ongoing by early 2026.
In response to a parliamentary question from Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, deputy chief executive of the NTA, Hugh Creegan, said the cost of the project could only be “fully established” at a later stage, when the design process is more advanced.
“However, a feasibility study carried out as part of the preparatory work for the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy in 2021 identified some early indicative costs and indicated the cost of a potential option as being in the €1.5bn to €2bn range, when calculated in 2021,” he said.
“Given inflationary pressures since then, it is likely that the cost will be in €2bn to €3bn range.”
A preliminary business case will be developed and submitted for government approval before the project enters the planning system.
The NTA has also said that public consultation is expected to play a key role in finalising the route and securing support.
The railway line was previously operational, but was discontinued around the 1950s. Restoring it now entails significant costs, which contrasts with the relatively lower expenses of maintaining the original infrastructure.
Public consultation is likely to play a key role in the rail line. Photo: Getty
Although suggestions to extend the line further (for example, to Kingscourt) have been raised, they fall outside the NTA’s remit and are addressed in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
The planned rail line will span approximately 40km, connecting the M3 Parkway near Dunboyne to Navan, with new stations proposed at Dunshaughlin and Kilmessan.
The initial development phase, set to take place over the next two years, focuses on scope and design development, as well as selecting a preferred route.
Public consultations will be held during this phase, with a Railway Order application (similar to planning permission) expected by 2027.
If approved, construction is projected to take place between 2030 and 2035.
The project aims to deliver several benefits, including providing faster, more sustainable travel for communities in Navan, Dunshaughlin and Kilmessan.
