MetroLink, the ambitious €10 billion rail project set to transform Dublin’s transport system, is on track to begin its next phase of development this year, according to Seán Sweeney, the programme director for the project.
Following months of uncertainty, MetroLink is set to “hit the ground running” in 2026 after the resolution of legal challenges, bringing the rail system closer to reality.
A Major Milestone for Dublin’s Transport Future
The MetroLink project, a 19km underground rail line that will stretch from Swords to Ranelagh, has been in the works for over 25 years.
This transformative project is expected to greatly reduce travel time across Dublin.
For example, a journey from the city centre to Dublin Airport will take just 20 minutes once the service is operational, which is expected to happen by the mid-2030s.
Key stops along the line include Dublin Airport, O’Connell Street, and St Stephen’s Green, among others, making the service a crucial addition to Dublin’s transport network.
Legal Disputes Resolved, Now the Focus is on Construction
A significant obstacle to the project was the judicial review proceedings filed by residents of Dartmouth Square West, whose homes back onto the Charlemont terminus of the line.
The residents had sought to halt the development, which could have caused years of delays.
However, after productive mediation talks, the residents have agreed to sell their properties to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), resolving the legal disputes that were standing in the way.
Mr. Sweeney expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, noting that the legal issues are now “resolved,” and work can proceed without further disruption.
With this cleared up, the focus will shift toward advancing enabling works and procurement for the project, including issuing contract notices for the main civil works packages in the first quarter of 2026.
Key Commitments and Future Steps
With the planning approval now secure, MetroLink’s progress is set to move forward at pace.
Sweeney highlighted that the project now has a “clean planning decision,” giving the team the certainty needed to proceed.
The Government has already committed dedicated funding for the project, and a new delivery body will oversee its construction.
The first steps in procurement will also take place in 2027, marking another important phase in the project’s journey.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has also welcomed the resolution, noting that it provides the necessary certainty to keep MetroLink on track.
In addition, Lorcan O’Connor, CEO of TII, expressed his appreciation for the residents’ cooperative approach, which helped to bring about a solution that works for all parties involved.
A Once-in-a-Generation Investment
As MetroLink moves ahead, it’s clear that this project is much more than just a new rail line.
It’s a transformative investment in Ireland’s public transport network, which will benefit not only commuters but also the wider economy and communities across Dublin.
Sweeney emphasised the importance of the project, describing it as “a once-in-a-generation investment” that will change the city’s transport landscape for the better.
Keeping the Public Informed
As the project moves into this crucial year, Mr. Sweeney has promised to keep public representatives updated and engaged in the process.
The next few months are expected to be a pivotal period, as work progresses quickly, and the public eagerly awaits the realisation of what will be the largest infrastructure project in Ireland’s history.
What’s Next for MetroLink?
As 2026 kicks off, all eyes are now on the next steps in MetroLink’s development.
The resolution of legal challenges has cleared the path for the project to move forward without delay, and the focus will now shift to building the rail line that promises to reshape Dublin’s transport system for decades to come.
With funding in place and legal hurdles behind them, the MetroLink team is ready to take on the challenges ahead, bringing Dublin one step closer to the future of urban transport.
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