Following a recent railway history exhibition in Navan, the Commuter North Rail Users Group (CNRUG) is renewing its call for the urgent reinstatement of passenger rail services on the line between Drogheda and Navan.
The group argues that the line, which they propose to brand as ‘The Boyne Valley Railway,’ offers a more immediate and cost-effective solution for a much-needed rail link for Navan and Duleek.
The proposal comes as the planned DART+ service is set to increase train frequency between Drogheda and Dublin from next year, offering an ideal connection point. The campaign is also a response to the ongoing delays and high costs—estimated to be over one billion euro—associated with a direct Navan-Dublin rail link.
The former “Navan Branch Line,” which opened in 1850, ceased passenger services in 1958. Since then, the population along the route is estimated to have grown by 70,000. The freight service for Tara Mines has, however, kept the line viable.
According to Brian Hanratty, a spokesperson for CNRUG, the proposed Boyne Valley Railway would serve not only daily commuters but also tourists and leisure travellers.
He suggests that with the completion of the Boyne Greenway, visitors could walk or cycle the route and take the train for their return journey.
Hanratty also highlighted the environmental and social benefits of the proposal, arguing that reinstating the line would reduce car and road dependency for workers and students in the Greater Drogheda and Navan areas.
The group’s vision includes reinstating the Duleek station and adding new stops near key business and retail areas, such as the Drogheda Retail Park and Johnstown in Navan.
CNRUG sees the project as a critical component of the forthcoming Joint Local Area Plan for the Greater Drogheda Region, being developed by Louth and Meath County Councils.
They are also advocating for the reintroduction of the Drogheda North Railway Station proposal to facilitate growth and encourage a “reverse commute,” creating local employment and educational opportunities.
