Iarnród Éireann unveils new Navan Railway route plans

Iarnród Éireann Unveils New Navan Railway Route Plans

Iarnród Éireann has officially published the Emerging Preferred Route for a major new railway line designed to connect Dublin City Centre directly with Navan. This initiative aims to bring fast, reliable public transport to Navan, currently the largest town in Ireland without passenger rail services.

The proposed 34-kilometre electrified route will extend from M3 Parkway, introducing four new stations at Dunshaughlin, Kilmessan, Navan Central, and Navan North. Trains are expected to run every 15 minutes during peak hours, cutting the journey time between Navan and Dublin Connolly Station to approximately one hour.

Key Project Features

• Capacity: The line can accommodate up to 4,400 commuters per hour in each direction.
• Park and Ride: Three new park and ride locations will be established at Kilmessan, Dunshaughlin, and Navan North to support drivers from further afield.
• Sustainability: The project aligns with the Climate Action Plan 2025 and supports sustainable travel alternatives to cars.

Government and Stakeholder Support

The project is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA). Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien highlighted the milestone, noting that the line will meet substantial commuter demand. He also praised the inclusion of park and ride sites which will benefit residents from towns like Kells and Cavan. Seán Canney, Minister of State for Rail and Ports, emphasised that only a railway can sustainably meet the growing commuter needs in these rapidly expanding areas. Chief Executive Mary Considine of Iarnród Éireann stated that connecting Navan to Dublin will transform transport options for thousands daily. Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of the NTA, described the project as transformative for County Meath, supporting housing, employment, and economic development in a climate-friendly manner.

Public Consultation

Communities are invited to provide feedback on the proposed plans. The first phase of public consultation runs until 5pm on Friday 3rd July 2026. Local knowledge is essential to shape the railway for future generations. Further details and contact information can be found at www.irishrail.ie/navan-line. The route largely follows the path of the original railway which closed in 1963, though alignments have been revised to better serve Dunshaughlin. Upon completion of this consultation, submissions will inform the design development before a second phase begins.