Dublin Airport Rail Link Metrolink Given the Go-Ahead
The long-awaited Metrolink project, connecting Dublin city centre to Dublin Airport, has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, Ireland's planning board. The project is slated to be operational by the early 2030s and is estimated to cost €9.5bn (£8.16bn).
Key Features of the Metrolink Project
The Metrolink aims to connect the north and south sides of Dublin with a 19.4km rail line, predominantly underground. It will feature 16 stations, providing a crucial link between Swords and Charlemont Street in the city centre.
- Length: 19.4km
- Stations: 16 (mostly underground)
- Route: Swords to Charlemont Street
- Estimated Cost: €9.5bn (£8.16bn)
- Expected Completion: Early 2030s
Increased Capacity and Frequency
The Irish Department of Transport anticipates trains running every three minutes during peak hours. This will allow the system to carry up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction, significantly improving transport capacity for Dublin.
Government and Stakeholder Reactions
Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien expressed his delight at the planning board's decision, highlighting the transformative impact on the North Dublin region, the city, and the airport. He stated it would stimulate growth, jobs, and housing.
“This will be hugely transformative for the North Dublin region, for Dublin and indeed for our airport, for growth, for jobs, for houses. It's our job to deliver it and we will.” - Darragh O'Brien, Irish Minister for Transport
Integration with Existing Transport Networks
The Metrolink will integrate with existing transport systems, including the DART (Dublin's train service) and Luas (tram service), providing seamless connections across the city.
Economic Impact and Airport Growth
DAA, the operator of Dublin Airport, anticipates that the Metrolink will be a key element in the airport's growth beyond 40 million passengers annually. The project is expected to underpin the economy by facilitating tourism, foreign direct investment, trade, and thousands of jobs.
Next Steps and Timeline
While the project has received the green light from An Coimisiún Pleanála, it still requires final approval from the Cabinet before construction can commence. Construction is expected to take several years, and the final costs are yet to be determined.
