Two things strike me about this discussion.
1. If the Navan line gets built, it will be because the Minister for Transport just happens by good fortune to come from the Meath area? So much for a rational basis for transport decisions.
2. Is there any consistency between the methodologies used to assess road projects such as the M3 and rail projects such as Clonsilla-Navan? There should be, as they compete for capital resources, and ultimately for customers. Also is there any consistency in banging on about a new line being financially or economically viable while continuing to support existing lines which probably do no pass either test?
The whole mess reflects badly on the competence of both the politicians and especially the civil servants in the dysfunctional Dept of Transport.
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