MetroLink (Dublin)

MetroLink
LocationDublin, Ireland
ProposerTransport Infrastructure Ireland
Project websitewww.metrolink.ie
StatusDesign phase (pending approval of planning permission)[1]
TypeMetro
Start dateUnknown[2]
Completion dateUnknown[3]

MetroLink is a proposed metro line for the city of Dublin. It replaces an earlier proposal called Metro North which was first recommended in the then Irish Government's 2005 Transport 21 transport plan.

The line is proposed to run from Estuary on Dublin's northside to Charlemont on the south of the city, with stops including Dublin Airport, O'Connell Street and St. Stephen's Green. The proposed route consists of mainly uncovered sub-surface track in the Swords area, a tunnel under Dublin Airport, further uncovered sub-surface track until the M50, with a deep bore tunnel running from Northwood to Charlemont.

While, as of March 2018, the line was planned to begin operation in 2027,[4][5] as of September 2021, government representatives indicated that this target "was never likely to be achievable" with several reports indicating that the project would "not be completed until at least 2032".[6][3][7] As of July 2022, the project was proposed to begin construction in 2025 and that, "all going well" it could be in operation by 2035.[8]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference fingalindependent was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Government says it hasn't decided to delay construction of Metrolink until 2027 but start date down to planning permission". Independent.ie. Independent News & Media. 21 September 2021. Archived from the original on 22 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021. The Government [..] is unable to say when construction on the project will start
  3. ^ a b "No date for MetroLink, but Taoiseach says €165bn National Development Plan is 'not a wish list'". TheJournal.ie. Journal Media Ltd. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021. Metrolink and DART + West are included in the plan, but there are no completion dates for the projects
  4. ^ "Revealed: Preferred route for €3bn MetroLink from city centre to Dublin Airport unveiled". Independent.ie. Independent News & Media. 22 March 2018. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  5. ^ "MetroLink Project Schedule" (PDF). tii.ie. MetroLink. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  6. ^ "Dublin Metro Link will not be delivered by 2027 - Ryan". rte.ie. RTÉ. 26 September 2021. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  7. ^ Kilraine, John (9 November 2021). "MetroLink postponed for ten years - NTA draft strategy". RTÉ News.
  8. ^ "Long-delayed Dublin Metrolink to cost €9.5bn with first trains running by 2034". independent. 4 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.