Get rail links back on the right track
This is five years later than previously promised by the Government in Platform for Change, where the people of Navan were told the railway would be back in place by 2010.
In Platform for Change, the people of Meath were also told that the design of the Navan rail link would meet a 2003 deadline, and that the railway would have reached Dunboyne by 2006. Now, the 4.7 miles of rail to Dunboyne will not be complete until 2009, Navan will be 2015 and Kells will be reopened by ... well, never, according to current plans.
Ireland's population will increase to seven million by 2020. Immigration is to continue at 70,000 people per annum. And all previous population estimates are out the window as far as county Meath is concerned. As Dublin is almost at capacity in terms of housing, Meath's towns are going to continue growing. Navan alone is due to increase by two-thirds in the next decade.
In this context, and considering that much of the commuting population of Cavan passes through Kells en route to Dublin each day, it is time to start considering a Kells rail extension. Thinking beyond Transport 21 is essential if the planners of counties Meath and Cavan are going to reach a point where they are ahead of the game instead of constantly playing catch-up.
Recent difficulties in water shortages in Stamullen and Yellow Furze exemplify the reactionary strategy of Meath's planners and our elected representatives. Navan's water supply can go at a moment's notice as the county struggles to keep up with development, rather than planning for it.
At the very least, the Government should recognise that Kells once had a rail link, and that the people of Kells will start to demand its return. Meath on Track calls on Meath's planners, the County Council, the Chambers of Commerce and our representatives in Dáil Éireann to take initial steps for the extension of rail services to Kells. It is time to start thinking beyond Transport 21.
Proinsias Mac Fhearghusa
Meath on Track
Athlumney
Navan
Co Meath
