Planning application submitted for Ireland’s MetroLink rail project

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has announced the progression of the MetroLink project to the next major milestone, with the submission of a planning application from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to An Bord Pleanála for the rail route.

This planning application marks a key stage in the development of the ambitious MetroLink ‘megaproject’, which consists of a new fully segregated railway, most of which will be underground, between the Swords area and Charlemont in the south of Dublin City Centre. The route will serve multiple residential communities such as Swords, Ballymun and Glasnevin, as well as Dublin Airport, the City Centre, and major employment, education and other facilities.

By interchanging with heavy rail, DART, Luas and bus services, MetroLink will connect to more than a million people in the Dublin area and more across Ireland. This national project will enhance accessibility and connectivity, improve the quality of the urban environment in Dublin and help to decarbonise the transport sector.

Ireland’s MetroLink rail project takes next step following Cabinet agreement

Minister Ryan said: “In July (2022) I secured Cabinet agreement to progress the major MetroLink project. I am delighted that today we have met our commitment with the submission of a planning application for the route. Securing planning approval is vital for MetroLink and I am keen to see construction on the project start as soon as possible. MetroLink is a flagship project, but it is also one of a suite of major public transport investments that we have secured ongoing funding for within Budget 2023, underlining the commitment in the Programme for Government and in the Climate Action Plan to transform the way people can move around both our cities and rural Ireland.”

Chief Executive of TII, Peter Walsh, said: “I believe that MetroLink will enable truly sustainable development for the country, and I call for the support from all stakeholders to facilitate its timely progression through the planning process.”

Construction of MetroLink is expected to commence in 2025, dependent on the outcome of the planning and procurement processes, with a view to operation in the early 2030s.