Dempsey: Rail links will be built

Transport Minister Noel Dempsay has said that the Navan to Dublin rail link and the Western Rail Corridor will go ahead as planned.

Minister Dempsey said Phase 2 of the Navan line will take three years to build and construction will get underway once planning permission is granted.

Work will begin on the Claremorris to Tuam line over the next two years, he added.

Minister Dempsey said suggestions otherwise are just mischievous.

"They are not on hold," he insisted. "I don't know where this story came out of and why it was given such prominence.

"The Navan rail line Phase 2 goes for planning permission in the first half of next year. As soon as that process is finished it will go to construction."

He also said Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor was also included in the capital programme.