A Bord Pleanála has received a planning application for the MetroLink rail project from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). MetroLink is a new fully segregated, mostly underground railway that connects the Swords area to Charlemont in the south of Dublin City Centre.
The application has been filed for the rail route, which will encompass different residential areas such as Swords, Ballymun, and Glasnevin, Dublin Airport, the City Centre, and major employment, education, and other facilities.
The MetroLink rail project is claimed to be the first of its kind in Ireland. It will be 18.8km long, with 15 stations initially and another later. MetroLink, with trains every three minutes during peak hours, is expected to carry up to 20,000 passengers in each direction per hour in the first few years.
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The cost of the MetroLink rail project
The project, which is expected to cost €9.5 billion in central capital, is expected to generate €13.7 billion in benefits to the economy and society over a 60-year period. It will connect to over a million people in the Dublin area via heavy rail, DART, Luas, and bus services.
MetroLink construction is expected to begin in 2025, depending on the outcome of the planning and procurement processes. The project is expected to be operational in the early 2030s. MetroLink is a critical national project that will improve accessibility and connectivity. It will also improve the quality of Dublin’s urban environment.
“In July, I secured Cabinet agreement to progress the major MetroLink project,” Ireland Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said. “I am delighted that we have met our commitment by submitting a planning application for the route today.” Obtaining planning approval is critical for MetroLink, and I am eager to see construction begin as soon as possible.”
