Planning permission has been granted for a new railway line between Clonsilla and Dunboyne.

Minister of State Mary Wallace welcomed the An Bord Pleanála decision to grant planning permission for the new rail line as she was aware of the problems faced by commuters in the area.

She said: "I know and experience myself, the challenges and pressures that commuters in Meath face in the daily routine of getting to and from work."

She said that investment in rail infrastructure in the area was vital for the local communities and must be maximised for the benefit of commuters from large towns such as Dunboyne.

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"We all anxiously await the promised train which appears to be target. The commitment all along was that the railway order/planning application would be submitted in 2007, with construction due to commence in 2008 and the train to be ready to go by the end of 2009," the Minister said.

She added that the decision was fantastic news for Dunboyne residents and also had huge significance for the wider population who will be able to use the park and ride facility at Pace (close to the junction of Fairyhouse Road/Trim/Dunshaughlin).

Local Cllr Noel Leonard also welcomed the decision. "We have worked hard over the years to ensure that Meath residents have access to a modern public transport infrastructure and this news today indicates that its full steam ahead," he said.

(VB/JM)