Metrolink from airport to Dublin granted planning permission

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Metrolink connecting Dublin Airport to the city centre has been granted planning permission.

The 18.8km MetroLink rail line, most of which will be underground, is to run from north of Swords to Charlemont in the south of Dublin city centre at an estimated cost of €11 billion.

An Coimisiún Pleanala decided to grant permission generally in accordance with an inspector’s recommendation, which is contained in a 1,600 page report.

In granting the railway order, it also allows for the compulsory acquisition of land for the project.

Various Metro projects for the capital have been proposed in recent decades, but none have yet proceeded to the building stage – despite more than €100 million being spent on those planned routes.

Trains are set to run very three minutes during peak periods.

The approval was welcomed by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, who will bring proposals to the Government for the establishment of MetroLink as a statutory delivery body responsible for the project's construction.

This is the largest single investment project in the National Development Plan.

Mr O’Brien said MetroLink will be transformative for the people of North Dublin and the entire country.

“MetroLink will provide a fast, high-capacity, high-frequency public transport route, and it will enable the construction of tens of thousands of new homes.”

Dublin Chamber has welcomed the decision, saying the metro will be a game-changer for the capital, but it has warned that the work needs to start without delay.

The Railway Order authorises all necessary works for the construction of MetroLink.

The journey time from Swords to the city centre is expected to last approximately 25 minutes.