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The Irish government has granted cabinet approval for the Dublin MetroLink project, allowing the infrastructure initiative to proceed to the full tender stage. The latest estimates place the cost of the project between 14.4 billion and 17.5 billion euros, with a projected midpoint of 15.75 billion euros.
This revised cost represents a significant increase from the 2022 planning application estimate, which ranged between 7.16 billion and 12.25 billion euros. MetroLink officials attributed the rising costs primarily to construction inflation and design modifications.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) chief executive Lorcan O’Connor stated that the cabinet decision authorizes the agency to enter the market for construction and operation bids. O’Connor acknowledged the scale of the investment but emphasized the project’s projected benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, shorter travel times, and lower carbon emissions. He further noted that the project is expected to support the development of approximately 77,000 additional homes along the route.
The MetroLink project, which was first announced over 25 years ago, involves an 18.8-kilometer line running from Swords in north Dublin to Charlemont in the south. The route is planned to include 16 stops, with most of the track located underground. The system is designed to utilize driverless trains operating every 90 seconds, with a capacity to transport up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Officials estimate the line will handle approximately 53 million passenger journeys annually.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with services expected to commence between 2036 and 2038. The final cost of the project will be determined following the procurement process, with the government expected to approve a successful bid late next year.
Article source: www.dublinnews.com | Image credit: www.dublinnews.com
