February 2008

HEAVY RAIL

Navan Railway Order approval

An Bord Pleanála approved a Railway Order on 29th February 2008 - the equivalent of planning permission for a new rail scheme - to construct the 7.5 Kilometre line from Clonsilla on the existing Dublin-Maynooth commuter line to the M3 Interchange at Pace, north of Dunboyne. The project is phase one of the proposed development of the Navan rail line under Transport 21. It is anticipated that construction will commence in late 2008, to ensure the line reopens in 2010.

Fingal County Council and Meath County Council have made a Section 49 Levy Scheme under the Planning and Development Act, facilitating the collection of development levies which will contribute towards the project. Iarnród Éireann and Meath County Council have agreed Terms of Reference for a scoping study for Phase 2 (extension to Navan).

 LUAS

Tallaght Luas Line

By end February 2008, 21 of the 26 trams on the Tallaght Luas Line had been extended to 40 metres (from 30 metres) and these extended trams, each of which provides a 40% capacity increase, are now operating on the line. The remaining five 30-metre trams will be extended by May 2008.

Roads

Work began in February 2008 on the N7 Castletown to Nenagh road and on the N9 Kilcullen to Carlow and Carlow to Knocktopher roads. 

Work also began on the N25 Tullamore By Pass.