An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted approval for the MetroLink Railway Order, clearing the way for construction of the 19km fully automated metro route from Swords to Dublin city centre.

This marks a major step forward for the project, which will be delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in coordination with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and other government bodies.

The Railway Order authorises all works required for construction of MetroLink, which will be mostly underground and connect key transport hubs including Dublin Airport, DART, Luas, and bus services. The project has been allocated €2 billion from the Government's National Development Plan Review, with additional support provided by proposals to establish MetroLink as a statutory delivery body responsible for its construction.

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Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien highlighted the practical impact of the project: "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."

Hugh Creegan, Interim Chief Executive at the NTA, said the approval represents a significant step in improving connectivity and reducing congestion, while Lorcan O'Connor, CEO of TII, noted the project will transform Dublin’s public transport network. MetroLink Programme Director Seán Sweeney added that the project will provide a sustainable transport solution and unlock new land development opportunities across the city.

The next stage involves procurement and mobilisation for construction, with the government planning to establish a dedicated delivery body to maintain focus on the project's completion in the public interest.

More information is available at the official MetroLink website.

Photo credit: MetroLink.