Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
737. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated total population that will have access to the MetroLink line for commuting and travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1703/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
MetroLink’s immediate catchment area, Fingal, was one of the fastest growing administrative areas in Ireland between the Census of 2016 and 2022, at a 12% population increase.
Demand modelling was an essential component of the MetroLink Preliminary Business Case, which was approved by Government in 2022. Based on demand modelling for the project, MetroLink will provide a reliable fixed public transport option to an estimated 360,000 people that will live within 2km of the alignment in 2030, as well as millions of national and overseas visitors to Dublin and Ireland each year.
The modelling also demonstrated that MetroLink will serve a growing population of circa 175,000 people living within easy walking distance of the route. It provides a major improvement in access to employment with circa 250,000 jobs within easy walking distance of the route, as well as education, leisure and healthcare facilities.
MetroLink has a high capacity to meet the needs of a growing population. MetroLink will be capable of carrying up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for the matter, I have referred Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
