Minister ‘hopeful’ MetroLink planning will not be challenged

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Transport Minister is “hopeful” that no legal challenge will delay a planned commencement of the MetroLink in 2027, after the multibillion-euro project was granted planning permission.

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

An Coimisiun 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 has yet proceeded to build stage – despite more than €100 million being spent on those planned routes.

When operations begin, there will be trains every three minutes during peak periods.

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

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

Mr O’Brien said: “Today’s planning news is a hugely positive step for MetroLink, which is a key strategic project for the Government and Ireland.”

He said MetroLink will be transformative for the people of North Dublin and the entire country.

He added: “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.”

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.

Later, speaking on RTÉ’s News At One, Mr O’Brien said he was “hopeful” that there would be no legal challenge to the project.

“The planning permission is very positive, and hopefully it won’t be challenged,” he said.

He said work could commence “from 2027” but a challenge could delay the project.

He added that an expected “seven or eight-year” development could see the line open and operational by 2034 or 2035.