Meath on the Move

08/04/2026

Response from Bus Éireann regarding ROUTE 103 & 103X:

Dear Deputy O’Rourke

I can confirm that we have experienced some operational challenges recently, which have led to service disruptions on routes 103/103X. It is worth noting that when disruptions are unavoidable, we aim to spread them across all routes to minimise the impact on any single route.

Unfortunately, when a service cancellation does occur, it usually has a knock-on effect on subsequent services, particularly during peak times. On the day in question, there were four service cancellations from Ratoath. We do apologise to our customers affected by these cancellations, and I can assure you that our local operations teams is monitoring the service very closely.

Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention.

Kind regards,

Bus Éireann Communications

01/04/2026

Response from NTA regarding Park and Ride near Ashbourne.

Dear Deputy,

The National Transport Authority (NTA) Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO) was established, arising from a recommendation in the Climate Action Plan, with a view to advancing and delivering strategic Park and Ride (P&R) facilities across Ireland. Given the lead time associated with strategic capital infrastructure projects, particular rail projects, the primary objective of the PRDO is to explore and advance bus-based strategic P&R solutions close to the national road network that may be delivered more swiftly.

Strategic Park & Ride is typically located where national roads or major transport corridors intersect with high-quality public transport services, enabling people to change from private car journeys to alternative public transport options. This approach is designed to attract commuters through journey time savings, thus encouraging modal shift with corresponding reductions in congestion and carbon emissions.

A P&R strategy was developed for the Greater Dublin Area as part of the NTA’s “Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022 – 2042”. This document sets out the vision and objectives for P&R and identifies zones of intervention where strategic P&R is considered feasible. The NTA is currently advancing proposals for numerous strategic P&R proposals across the Greater Dublin Area and in the regional cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway.

In relation to the M2 corridors, analysis undertaken to inform the GDA Transport Strategy identifying Junction 3 – Ashbourne, as optimal location for a strategic bus-based Park and Ride. This analysis is informed by factors such as the availability of sufficient land near the motorway (within 500m of an interchange is considered optimal), the existing bus services which currently serve the area, the extent of the M2 Motorway Order given it stretches to the Nile Milestone Roundabout and, finally, wider environmental factors such as the Broadmeadow watercourse. This resulted in the southern side of Ashbourne emerging given its proximity to the M2 corridor coupled with the ability to capture trips from the growing settlements of Rathoath and Ashbourne.

Considering the above, the PRDO set about identifying various potential land banks with a view to refining these locations into a single emerging preferred option cognisant the land is predominately in private ownership and subject to exploratory discussions interested landowners. This work is currently ongoing whereby a preferred site has been identified and negotiations to purchase landowner by agreement appears feasible.

The emerging preferred site is located along the R125 just east of the Nine Milestone roundabout. Work continues to develop design proposals with a view to preparing statutory consent documentation and securing planning consent at some stage towards the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Consideration was given to locating Park and Ride north of Ashbourne but given the above, the southern side emerged preferrable. That said, nothing above prevents a local park and share facility being advanced on the north side of Ashbourne or in Slane where demand is evident. Park and Share is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland or Meath County Council.

I trust that the above is of assistance.

Yours Sincerely,

NTA

26/02/2026

Today (26/02/26) in the Dáil I asked the Minister for Transport when the promised public consultation on route options for Navan Rail will be held. Last October we were told it would be 'early in 2026'. Now it has slipped out to 'end of Q2 2026'. I will keep pushing at this. Have a look back here.

22/01/2026

In the Dáil this week, highlighting the pressure Meath commuters face during a debate on Flexible Work and Commuter Delays.

20/01/2026

THE ROAD TOLLS RIP-OFF CONTINUES: Thank you to the Examiner for covering this issue.

In a recent parliamentary response to Sinn Féin's Darren O'Rourke, transport minister Darragh O'Brien said the increased tolls were a matter for TII.

Revenues from the M1 rose from €23.5m to €40.7m; the M3 Clonee Kells increased from €12.9m to €22.6m; Limerick Tunnel increased from €12.5m in 2015 to €23.9m in 2025; while the Waterford bypass went from €5.4m to €11.4m.

On the M50, revenues in 2015 were €112m. By 2019, that figure was €160.8m and by the end of 2024 had hit €212m. In Dublin's Port Tunnel, revenues rose from €13m in 2015 to €32m in 2024.

For the two tolls on the road from Cork to Dublin, the M8 Fermoy bypass brought in €11.9m in 2015 compared to €18.9m in 2024, while the Portlaoise toll revenue jumped from €15.6m to €23m over the same time period.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41778563.html

02/01/2026

This will (unfortunately) explain a lot in the year ahead...

https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2026/01/01/transport-officials-said-budget-2026-did-not-allow-enough-for-new-public-transport-services/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPEsWdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1ZTdrTXdKa0hLZkx6REdqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpVAY-fg0nPtRPqF9LZawGaAqxDeO4MdlxDoiq7ffArA0MzzvGRdzm5CaySD_aem_HyxXzl_OPH-CdK3wcpa5sQ

Department of Transport was allocated €4.74bn in budget as set out in October

17/12/2025

I was on LMFM this week to give a report on a meeting Sinn Féin representatives in Meath had with the National Transport Authority. Have a listen back here.

We presented a clear picture of a county whose transport infrastructure is failing to keep pace with demand. From the lack of basic bus services in some areas to the long-awaited rail projects, commuters in Meath are being left behind.

15/12/2025

Cancellation and delay woes for Kells passengers. Well done to Oliver ‘Figgy’ Curran for highlighting the ongoing problems with Kells bus services. Thanks to the Meath Chronicle for covering this story. The simple fact is - public transport services in Co. Meath are no fit-for-purpose. They have not kept pace with a growing population and growing demand and, on a daily basis, they let people down. It’s completely unacceptable in a wealthy country like Ireland. Sinn Féin will keep pushing for better. Follow our Meath on the Move campaign for updates.

10/12/2025

This week in the Dáil, Sinn Féin representatives from Meath met with officials from the National Transport Authority to raise a wide range of transport-related issues in the county. This included:

Rail - Navan Rail, Bettystown train station feasibility study, parking at Laytown, bus connections to M3 Parkway, Dart+ North and Dart+ West.

Bus - From 103 to 109 to the Navan Town service to the lack of any service at all in Bellewstown, we raised a wide range of issues with Meath bus services - the services simply aren't there to match the demand or population growth. We listed particular services that need urgent attention due to lack of capacity and services cancellations.

Active Travel - we welcomed the investment in towns but we expressed frustration with the delivery of these projects, the upheaval associated with works, and problems with the design in many cases (narrow roads and damage to verges).

Bus stops and shelters - we raised a number of locations that need stops and shelters.

It is a battle-a-day. I am not sure our efforts will change things but we will continue to keep trying. I want to thank the NTA for meeting with us. They heard, loud and clear, the challenges commuters face every day in Co. Meath. We will keep pushing.

27/11/2025

The Transport Priorities to 2030 under the revised National Development Plan are very disappointing from a perspective. In particular, Sinn Féin had argued for additional funding for Navan Rail to ensure it was prioritised and could progress straight to construction when planning permission (railway order) is granted. That wasn't delivered. It's even worse when it comes to N2 Kilmoon Cross to Rath Roundabout. That project is in No Man's Land. Better news on Slane Bypass but, overall, very disappointing.

19/11/2025

_____________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 18/11/2025
Question Number(s): 129 Question Reference(s): 63322/25
Department: Transport
Asked by: Darren O'Rourke T.D.
______________________________________________

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Transport for an update on the rollout of Connecting Ireland in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY

As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.


______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 18/11/2025
Question Number(s): 134 Question Reference(s): 63321/25
Department: Transport
Asked by: Darren O'Rourke T.D.
______________________________________________

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Transport for an update on the 103 bus service in County Meath; the plans to improve this service to meet increasing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Bus Éireann.
I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Governments goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

______________________________________________
For Written Answer on : 18/11/2025
Question Number(s): 242,243 Question Reference(s): 62766/25, 62767/25
Department: Transport
Asked by: Darren O'Rourke T.D.
______________________________________________

QUESTION

* To ask the Minister for Transport if TII plans to conduct a safety assessment on the M3 motorway (Navan to Dublin) before the toll bridge at Dunboyne, taking into account frequent incidents occurring on this section of the road which can cause significant safety issues and delays for commuters.
- Darren O'Rourke T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 18 November, 2025.

* To ask the Minister for Transport the measures available for him to take to improve safety and reduce the volume of incidents before the toll bridge at Dunboyne on the M3, taking into account that there have been several incidents affecting commuters on this section of road in recent times.
- Darren O'Rourke T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 18 November, 2025.
REPLY

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the M3.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

______________________________________________
For Written Answer on : 18/11/2025
Question Number(s): 244 Question Reference(s): 62768/25
Department: Transport
Asked by: Darren O'Rourke T.D.
______________________________________________

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Transport the long-term plans in place to improve transport infrastructure for commuters from Navan to Dublin.
REPLY

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Meath.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042. The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan was re-examined as part of the development of the Transport Strategy. That re-examination supported the development of a rail line from Dublin to Navan and the final Strategy includes delivery of the line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals.
I am pleased to confirm that in 2024 the NTA allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line project. This work involves route option selection, planning and design phases of the project.
IÉ commenced the procurement process for this pre-construction phase of the project, and issued a tender to prequalified consultants at the end of May 2024. In November 2024, multi-disciplinary consultants RPS were appointed by IÉ for the duration of the project to work with the rail company’s in-house project team.
It is anticipated that a public consultation on the route options for the project will take place in 2026. That process will ultimately recommend a defined route and support the development of a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved by Government, in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, before any planning application.
The Navan Rail Line is being delivered by IÉ on behalf of the NTA, with funding for the project being provided by my Department through the NTA.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.