Dublin: The long-delayed Dublin Metrolink project has taken a significant step towards construction, with the government approving the detailed business case and authorising Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to begin the tender process.
The decision allows TII to formally invite international companies to submit bids for the construction and operation of the proposed metro system, which has been under discussion for several decades.
Although the project has already received planning permission, the latest approval does not constitute final authorisation for construction. The final cost will only become clearer after tenders have been received, assessed and contracts finalised.
Metrolink Route and Stations
The approximately 19-kilometre Metrolink route will run from Estuary Park and Ride station near Swords in north Dublin to Charlemont in the city centre.
The line will pass through Swords town centre, Dublin Airport, Ballymun and Glasnevin before continuing through central Dublin, including O’Connell Street, Tara Street and St Stephen’s Green.
Most of the route will run underground. Some sections near Swords will be constructed at ground level, while the main urban section beyond the airport will largely operate through tunnels.
The 16 Stations
The stations, listed from north to south, are:
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Estuary – the northern terminus with park-and-ride facilities
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Seatown
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Swords Central
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Fosterstown
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Dublin Airport
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Dardistown
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Northwood
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Ballymun
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Collins Avenue
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Griffith Park
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Glasnevin
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Mater
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O’Connell Street
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Tara Street
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St Stephen’s Green
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Charlemont
Key interchange stations will include Dublin Airport, Glasnevin, O’Connell Street, Tara Street and St Stephen’s Green.
Connections with DART and Luas
Tara Street station will provide connections to DART and commuter rail services. O’Connell Street, St Stephen’s Green and Charlemont will connect with Luas routes.
Glasnevin is expected to become an important interchange for the DART+ programme and rail services towards Maynooth and the M3 Parkway.
There will be no direct Metrolink service to Belfast. However, passengers will be able to connect to services towards Belfast through Dublin’s rail network, including transfers via Tara Street and Connolly Station. Future rail developments at Glasnevin could further improve access to the northern rail network.
Construction and Opening Timeline
Initial works, including site preparation, demolition and the relocation or replacement of utility infrastructure, are expected to begin before major tunnel and station construction gets underway in 2028.
The project is expected to take at least a decade to complete. Under the current timeline, passenger services could begin between 2036 and 2038, meaning earlier expectations of an opening in the early 2030s are no longer considered realistic.
Projected Cost Rises Sharply
The revised estimated cost of Metrolink stands between €14.4 billion and €17.5 billion, with an approximate midpoint of €15.75 billion.
This represents a substantial increase compared with the 2022 estimate, which placed the project’s cost between €7.16 billion and €12.25 billion.
The rise has been attributed to several factors, including inflation, increased construction and labour costs, design changes, additional planning requirements, land acquisition and economic uncertainty linked to international conflicts.
Officials said a clearer indication of the project’s final market cost would only be available after the tender process, which is expected to provide greater clarity by the end of 2027.
Trains Every Three Minutes
During peak hours, Metrolink trains are expected to operate at three-minute intervals, with the system designed to carry up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
The trains will be fully automated. The journey from Swords to Dublin city centre is expected to take approximately 25 minutes, while the journey from Dublin Airport to the city centre could take around 20 minutes.
The government also aims to power the service using 100 per cent renewable energy.
Officials estimate that every €1 invested in the project could generate between €1.13 and €1.95 in economic benefits. The project is also expected to support the development of approximately 77,000 homes near the metro corridor, while reducing journey times, easing road congestion and lowering carbon emissions.
Government Promises Greater Cost Control
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said the agreement would include measures designed to prevent a repeat of Ireland’s difficulties in controlling the costs and timelines of major infrastructure projects.
He said the government’s objective was to deliver Metrolink on schedule and within the approved budget.
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