Emerging Preferred Route Announced for Navan Railway
Iarnród Éireann has published the Emerging Preferred Route for the new Navan Railway, set to provide direct DART services between Dublin City Centre and Navan, the largest town in Ireland not currently on the passenger rail network.
Project Overview and Key Features
The new 34 kilometre electrified route will see the existing rail line extended from M3 Parkway, with new stations proposed at Dunshaughlin, Kilmessan, Navan Central and terminating at Navan North, allowing trains up to every 15 minutes at peak between Navan and Dublin’s Connolly Station.
New stations proposed at Dunshaughlin, Kilmessan, Navan Central and terminating at Navan North
The journey time of approximately 60 minutes from Navan to Dublin will ensure frequent, reliable and sustainable public transport, with capacity for up to 4,400 commuters each way per hour. The four new stations will include three park and ride locations at Kilmessan, Dunshaughlin and Navan North. The project is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Benefits of the Navan Railway
Benefits of the Navan Railway will include:
• Extension of DART+ to Navan with frequent and high capacity train services
• Connecting communities along the route to Ireland’s expanding and integrated public transport network
• Bringing a railway to Navan which is the largest town in Ireland not currently on the national rail network
• Facilitating future social and economic growth in the project area
• Encouraging sustainable transport choices and reduced dependency on private cars
• Enhancing access to services for communities along the route and encouraging travel to County Meath by train
Policy Context and Strategic Alignment
Communities along the corridor and other stakeholders are being invited to give their feedback on the proposed plans, which are an integral part of the NTA’s Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy. This project will also support key policies including the National Development Plan Review 2025, the Climate Action Plan 2025 and the All Island Strategic Rail Review, and aligns with the Meath County Development Plan.
Route Background and Key Revisions
The Emerging Preferred Route follows a similar route to the original railway, which closed in 1963, making use of the disused railway corridor where possible. A key revision is a change in the alignment to better serve the growing commuter town of Dunshaughlin and its environs, an outcome of the route selection process.
Announcement of the preferred route for this 34km railway extension from M3 Parkway to Navan North
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said “Today marks a key milestone in our plans to extend the DART system to Navan, with the announcement of the preferred route for this 34km railway extension from M3 Parkway to Navan North, calling at the growing towns of Dunshaughlin and Kilmessan on the way, and introducing a new Navan Central station. As the largest town in Ireland without a railway service, this new line will meet the substantial demand from commuters in Navan and, thanks to new park and ride locations, those from further afield. With a journey time of only an hour, this new line will offer a frequent, reliable and sustainable alternative to the car. This public consultation is an opportunity for everyone to have their say on how this project benefits or impacts them.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney added, “The Navan rail line is a key part of our programme to transform passenger rail services right across the State and builds on the existing DART+ programme. The towns of Navan and Dunshaughlin have grown rapidly over recent decades, and despite greatly enhanced bus frequencies and the construction of the M3 motorway, only a railway can meet the growing commuter demand in a sustainable manner. The two proposed stations in Navan will maximise local access to the new service, and I am particularly pleased at the inclusion of three park and ride sites along the new rail corridor, which will benefit commuters from further afield, including Kells and Cavan, and give them a realistic and sustainable alternative to driving all the way into Dublin city”.
Navan Railway will play a critical role in supporting housing, employment and economic development
Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority Anne Shaw said “This is a transformative project for County Meath and the wider Greater Dublin Area, reconnecting Navan and surrounding communities to the national rail network and providing a high capacity, sustainable alternative to car travel. As these communities continue to grow, the Navan Railway will play a critical role in supporting housing, employment and economic development in a more balanced and climate friendly way.
We are encouraging everyone, including residents, businesses and stakeholders, to take the opportunity to engage with this consultation process. Local knowledge and feedback are essential in helping to shape a railway that meets the needs of the communities it will serve for generations to come.”
Transforming the public transport options for thousands of Navan commuters daily
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Mary Considine said “Our record investment in our rail network, supported by the Department for Transport and National Transport Authority, is all about enabling more people to use high capacity, high quality public transport. By connecting Navan – the largest town in Ireland not currently on the passenger rail network – to Dublin, as well as communities en route in Kilmessan and Dunshaughlin and beyond through park and ride, we will transform the public transport options for thousands of commuters daily. We look forward to hearing the views of communities and stakeholders through the public consultation, which will help us to deliver the best possible infrastructure and service.”
Improving connectivity, supporting employment, and unlocking significant economic growth across the county.
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said “This is a hugely important milestone for County Meath and a project that will transform how our communities connect, live and work. The Navan Railway will deliver real benefits on the ground—improving connectivity, supporting employment, and unlocking significant economic growth across the county. We look forward to working with our national partners to progress this vital infrastructure for the people of Meath.”
Public Consultation Process Overview
Consultation Timeline and Purpose
The Public Consultation, which commences today for the Navan Railway, presents the ‘Emerging Preferred Option’ for the project design and will remain open until 5pm on Friday 3rd July 2026. It is the first of two non statutory public consultations seeking the public’s feedback on the proposed plans.
Role of Public Feedback
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.
How to Access Information and Provide Feedback
All are encouraged to review the full details of the plans, including details on how to contact the team and give feedback, at: Navan Railway Line ( www.irishrail.ie/navan-line ).
Public Consultation Events
As well as online feedback, a series of consultation events will be held for those who would like to learn more about the project, details of which can be found below.
Next Steps in the Consultation Process
Upon completion of this consultation, all submissions will be carefully considered by the Project design team, and these will be used to inform the subsequent design development and the formation of the Preferred Option. A second phase of public consultation will take place when a Preferred Option for the project has been identified.
Schedule of Public Information Events
The project team will be available to discuss the project at the following public information events:
• Navan Solstice Arts Centre (C15 KWP1) Wednesday 27 May, 2pm – 8pm
• Dunshaughlin Pastoral Centre (A85 W886) Thursday 4 June, 2pm – 8pm
• Navan Education Centre (C15 RK03) Tuesday 9 June, 3pm – 8pm
• Station House Hotel, Kilmessan (C15 N40D) Tuesday 16 June, 2pm – 8pm
• Online Public Webinar, Thursday 18 June, 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
Please visit Navan Railway Line at irishrail.ie/navan-line or email navan@irishrail.ie to register.