The first track has been laid on the Dunboyne Commuter Railway at Hansfield Station, as part of the government's multi-billion euro Transport 21 project.

Construction is well underway on the 7.5 kilometre double track rail line, which will branch off the Maynooth line at Clonsilla and terminate at the interchange with the M3 at Pace.

A number of accommodation bridges are complete along the route, and upgrading works are continuing at Barnhill, Stirling and Dunboyne bridges.

The Royal Canal Bridge was lifted in to place in August of this year, providing a link from Clonsilla Station over the Royal Canal.

Works are ongoing to each of the three stations along the route.

Around 170 people are currently employed on the project and 350,000 construction man hours have been worked to date.

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Almost 10,000m3 of concrete, 175,000 Tonnes of stone and 1,100 tonnes of steel have been used to date.

Iarnród Éireann has commenced design on Phase 2 of the Navan Railway line from Pace to Navan. A Railway order will be lodged in the middle of 2011 for the project.

Following public consultation with residents, landowners and stakeholders and the preparation of a feasibility study a proposed route has been chosen.

The project involves the extension of the currently under construction Phase 1 Navan Railway line between Clonsilla and Pace to the north edge of Navan.

The preferred route is mostly on the alignment of the old Navan Railway line.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said this investment represents the latest phase of the Transport 21 programme.

"From an economic and environmental point of view, not to mention quality of life to commuters, the Dunboyne line will be a very significant addition to our public transport network, and we look forward to the delivery of phase 2 of the Meath Commuter rail investment, to Navan."

CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann chairman John Lynch said he is delighted with the progress of work.

"The laying of the first track is a significant milestone to rebuild and reopen the line from Clonsilla to Dunboyne which is the first phase of the Navan Railway line reopening, which will be enormous benefit to commuters in the wider Meath area and West Dublin."

(PR/BMcc)