MetroLink given Cabinet approval to the tender stage
The Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has been given Cabinet approval to advance the much-awaited MetroLink to the tender stage.
This now means that the door is open to secure multi-billion-euro contracts that will construct and operate the new railway. The initial works are scheduled to begin early next year; this will be followed by heavy tunnelling and station construction.
The planned route will span a 19km line, which will be mostly underground and have 16 stations connecting Swords to Charlemont. Some of the key stops along the way will be Dublin Airport, Ballymun, Glasnevin, DCU and the City Centre.
Its capacity will be double that of the Luas Green Line, carrying up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Commenting on the approval, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Today's approval reflects the Government's commitment to investing in new infrastructure. MetroLink will help make our capital city a better, more sustainable place in which to live, travel, socialise and work. I am delighted that the Government has moved MetroLink into the detailed procurement phase for multi-billion-euro construction and operation contracts, and we will continue to support it into construction.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris added: “Today's decision is an important milestone in the delivery of a major public transport project that will connect our capital city to national transport networks and strengthen our economy as well as our competitiveness as a country. By providing a fast, frequent, and reliable public transport service, MetroLink will improve access to education and health facilities, to jobs, and to sports clubs, parks, and playgrounds. Projects like this are central to building the country our growing population now requires by helping to connect communities and unlock new housing.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien concluded: “I welcome today's important step forward for MetroLink, a vital transport project that will help reduce traffic congestion, improve access to Dublin Airport and unlock much-needed new housing development at scale. MetroLink will support the delivery of approximately 77,000 new homes along its route and, through its integration with other public transport services, up to 200,000 new homes across the Greater Dublin Area.
“This is a game-changer for Dublin and the wider region as we work to deliver more homes for a growing population. MetroLink will not only transform connectivity and access but also strengthen our economic competitiveness, support sustainable growth and unlock the development potential of communities across the Greater Dublin Area. MetroLink also supports decarbonisation by providing a reliable, low-carbon alternative to private car travel, helping to reduce road traffic, transport-related emissions and overall carbon footprints across the region.”