The preferred option for the second phase of the Navan rail line has been confirmed following the assessement of two different routes by Iarnrod Éireann.
Mr Cowen and Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey today said the ‘route A’ option past Dunshaughlin, along the route of the original Navan rail line, had been chosen for the rail extension.
This would take it through Batterstown, Drumree, Dunsany and Kilmessan.
Work is already underway on the first phase of the rail link to Pace, near Clonee and Dunboyne.
A second option east of Dunshaughlin was also being considered.
Visiting Navan today, Mr Cowen said: “Irish Rail recently submitted the feasibility study to government.
“It examined two possible routes in great detail – an option A which runs along the original railway alignment and an option B which is a new route to the east of Dunshaughlin.”
“On the basis of the detailed analysis carried out by Irish Rail the preferred option has emerged as option A or the original railway alignment.”
He said the chosen option of the original alignment had “a number of advantages”. It provided a better economic rate of return for the State’s investment, could be provided at “significantly lower cost” and was also the preferred option from the public consultation process carried out by Irish Rail.
Over 80 per cent of people indicated a preference for option A. This route also has a shorter journey time to Dublin of 59 minutes, compared to 62 minutes for option B.
“On the basis of this analysis we will now be asking Irish Rail to proceed with the necessary preparations for a railway order application,” Mr Cowen said.
Mr Dempsey said work was already "well underway” on the first phase of the new Navan rail line from Clonsilla to Dunboyne and that it is on target to open in the autumn of next year.
“I am now keen to get construction on phase two of this line from Pace to Navan underway as quickly as possible.”
Irish Rail recently submitted the feasibility study to the Department of Transport for a decision by the Minister.