156 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the project to extend rail services to Navan; and the timetable for the commencement and completion of the scoping study. [6565/07]

The planning and design of the Navan Rail Link is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand that the old Navan rail line will be re-opened in two phases with the first phase running off the Maynooth line, at Clonsilla, to the M3 interchange at Pace, near Dunboyne. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that design work is underway on this phase. Iarnród Éireann plans to lodge a railway order for this project in Autumn 2007 and if approved this section should be completed by end 2009.

Under Phase 2 it is proposed to extend the rail line to Navan within the period of Transport 21. I am advised by Iarnród Éireann that a scoping study is underway looking at route options for Phase 2 between Dunboyne and Navan. This study commenced in January 2007 and will examine a number of route options and assess the physical and financial viability of reopening the section to Navan. I understand from Irish Rail that this scoping study will be complete in August 2007.