Q. WHAT IS THE RAILWAY ORDER AND ORAL HEARING?

A. The Railway Order is the equivalent of a planning permission process for a railway line, stations and elimination of level crossings. It affords Iarnród Éireann Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to purchase the required property for the scheme and gives Iarnród Éireann full operating rights over the new railway.

On the 7th September 2007 Iarnród Éireann applied to An Bord Pleanála for a Railway Order (the equivalent of planning permission for new rail schemes). The Railway Order process allows all interested parties to make submissions in relation to the project. An Oral hearing was held between 10th and 14th December 2007 in An Bord Pleanála Offices, Marlborough Street. An Bord Pleanála then decide whether or not to grant the Order. This is effectively a document giving permission for the works to proceed, subject to Government and other funding.

As part of the Railway Order process, Iarnród Éireann has engaged in a thorough process of consultation with all the relevant parties, key stakeholders and the general public, in order to brief them on the objectives of the project and to provide them with an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

Under the Railway Order, Iarnród Éireann displayed the full plans for the Project at various locations for a period of six weeks from the 12th September to 24th October 2007. The full Railway Order documentation is still available on the website.

Q. WHERE AND WHEN CAN I SEE THE PLANS FOR THE PROJECT?

A. The full Railway Order documentation, including:

• Draft of the proposed order
• Plans of the proposed railway works
• A book of reference to the plan, indicating owners and occupiers of lands described in the plans
• Environmental Impact Statement, in full and summary form

is available on the Iarnród Éireann website (www.irishrail.ie)

Q. WILL THERE BE COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDERS?

A. Under the Iarnród Eireann proposal, there are lands required not currently in the ownership of the company.

This includes land to facilitate the project which may be permanently acquired; land over which rights including rights of way may be acquired; public or private rights of way which may be extinguished; public or private rights of way which may be temporarily interrupted; and land of which temporary possession may be taken.

All affected landowners will be contacted directly by Iarnród Éireann to advise them of the scope of impact proposed on their property.

Q. WHAT IS THE TIMESCALE ENVISAGED FOR THE PROJECT?

A. Construction works are expected to commence in 2008, following the granting of the Railway Order. The fully operational Dunboyne (M3) Commuter Rail service will come into effect in 2010.

Q. WHAT ARE THE COSTS ENVISAGED FOR THE PROJECT?

A. The final costs will be determined by the ruling of An Bord Pleanála, detailed design work and any inflationary pressures up to the signing of contracts.

Q. WHEN WILL THE DUNBOYNE (M3) COMMUTER LINE EXTEND TO NAVAN?

A. Extension of the Dunboyne (M3) Commuter Line to Navan is planned to be completed by 2015 under Transport 21. The line is currently being assessed as part of a scoping study which is being undertaken jointly by Iarnród Éireann and Meath County Council.

Q. WILL THERE BE A PUBLIC CONSULTATION BY IE PRIOR TO THE RO APPLICATION?

Q. Why is Hansfield not included in the Railway Order application?

A. Iarnród Éireann is constructing platforms at the proposed Hansfield Station as part of this Railway Order scheme. Hansfield Station lies within a Strategic Development Zone, and design details regarding the development of the lands adjacent to the station are currently at a preliminary stage. Key details such as local road access to the station, ground levels adjacent to the station and timing of the implementation of the Strategic Development Zone and developments to the south of the site were yet to be confirmed at the time of lodgement of the Railway Order. As such, it was not possible to provide a full station design capable of being integrated into the development.

Iarnród Éireann is in consultation with the Local Authority and the Developer involved, the above necessary design details are being developed and it is intended that Iarnród Éireann will apply for planning permission to build a station at Hansfield station within 6 months.