Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke, has said that he is deeply disappointed by the Government’s decision to exclude the Navan Rail Line from the list of transport projects designated under the new Critical Infrastructure legislation. Teachta Guirke said: “The decision to exclude the Navan rail line from the list of transport projects under the new Critical Infrastructure Legislation is deeply disappointing and insulting to the people of Meath who have spent decades waiting for this vital rail connection. It is also deeply frustrating for the Meath Council of Trade Unions, local businesses, commuters and community organisations that have consistently campaigned for the delivery of this essential piece of national infrastructure.
“The Government has recognised the strategic importance of several major transport projects by granting them Critical Infrastructure status. However, it is impossible to understand why the Navan Rail line has been left behind when it would serve one of the fastest growing populations in the state.
Johnny Guirke has expressed his disappointment that Navan Rail Project fails to get priority on new Critical Infrastructure legislation, calling on government to rethink the decision.
“For far too long, the people of Meath have been subjected to broken promises, endless delays and an overly burdensome planning process. Designating the Navan Rail Line would reduce the risk of unnecessary delays and allow the railway order process to move forward much more efficiently.
“The Navan Rail Line project would take thousands of cars off congested roads and motorways, support Ireland’s climate commitments and most importantly, improve the daily lives of thousands of worker sand families who currently spend hours travelling to and from work at considerable personal and financial cost.
“Today, I have written to Minister Jack Chambers urging him to reconsider this decision and ensure that the Navan Rail Line project is included on the Critical Infrastructure List. I would urge my fellow Meath TD’s, two of whom are Minister’s in this Government, to listen to the people of Meath and to urge for the inclusion of the Navan Rail Line project on the Critical Infrastructure List.”
The Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 allows the Government to designate certain infrastructure projects developed by or on behalf of the State as being of critical national importance.
The nine projects designated are: Transport- Metrolink, Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and Galway City Ring Road; Water-Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region, Greater Dublin Drainage Project and Limerick (Bunlicky) Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Bioresource Centre; Energy- North South 400 kV Interconnector, Moneypoint 400 kV Series Capacitor Project and Letterkenny 110 kV Redevelopment Project.
