Government approves new body to help deliver Metrolink

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025 - 14:26

Kenneth Fox

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, on Wednesday secured Cabinet approval for a policy proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body.

The proposed statutory delivery body would work under the remit of the Minister for Transport and be responsible for delivering the project to the public. This reflects the size and importance of MetroLink for the country.

Speaking about the news, Minister O’Brien said: “I would like to express my thanks to all the staff and the Board of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), for their extensive and important work in advancing MetroLink to date.

"This has included the establishment of the MetroLink Directorate within TII, bringing MetroLink through the planning application process, the continuing design and progression of the procurement strategy, and the significant public consultation and promotion of the project.”

This policy proposal follows the October 2nd decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to approve the MetroLink Railway Order, as well as the Government’s firm commitment in the National Development Plan Review to fund construction of MetroLink from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.

The Department of Transport will establish a working group consisting of officials from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority, and other relevant Departments.

They will review practical and legislative issues to be addressed in establishing the dedicated MetroLink delivery body. This work will include the preparation of a General Scheme of a Bill to help give legislative effect to this policy proposal.

They said MetroLink will directly support the delivery of approximately 31,700 additional housing units along the corridor to support a population growth of close to 90,000 people, including the Transport Orientated Development areas of Ballymun and Lissenhall.

It will also provide access to hospitals, schools, and third-level institutions, and leisure facilities, as well as Dublin Airport.