Public consultation for the new Navan Railway Emerging Preferred Route was extended by two weeks will close tomorrow at  5pm on Friday 17th July 2026. This was in response to feedback received and is to ensure that all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to make informed submissions to the consultation process.
Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke, has called on the project team behind the Navan Rail Line to ensure the final plans fully reflect the needs of local communities by considering a station closer to Johnstown, providing significantly increased parking facilities at Navan Central station and planning for the future extension of the railway.

Deputy Guirke said the restoration of the Navan Rail Line represents a once in a generation opportunity to transform public transport across the county and must be delivered without delay. Teachta Guirke said: “I strongly support the restoration of the Navan Rail Line and welcome the progress made to date. However, we must ensure this project is designed not only for today’s commuters but for the needs of future generations.

“Johnstown has experienced exceptional population growth over recent years and continues to expand. With thousands of people living in the area, it is only right that the feasibility of providing a station closer to Johnstown is fully examined.

Johnny Guirke suggests Johnstown needs to be served with a station as population continues to grow.

“I have also called for increased park and ride capacity at the proposed Navan central station. Experience from commuter rail services across the country has shown that inadequate parking quickly becomes a barrier to public transport use. We must build sufficient capacity from the outset to cater not only for Navan but for the wider hinterland and avoid expensive upgrades in the future.

“Crucially, the restoration of the railway to Navan should not be viewed as the end of the journey. We need to start planning now for the future extensions of the line to communities such as Kells, Trim and Oldcastle. That means protecting the former rail corridor wherever possible and ensuring today’s infrastructure does not restrict tomorrow’s opportunities.

“Extending the railway further into Meath would strengthen regional connectivity, support balanced economic development, provide sustainable transport options for rural communities and help Ireland meet its climate commitments.

“This project must proceed without unnecessary delay. I have urged the project team to give these recommendations full consideration as the planning process advances and to ensure that key deadlines are met. If we get this right, the Navan Rail Line can become the backbone of a modern public transport network that serves communities across the whole county of Meath.”