Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
241. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has received any briefings or correspondence from the National Transport Authority or Transport Infrastructure Ireland on proposals to open MetroLink in phases, including opening the Swords section before the remainder of the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54320/26]
View answer242. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has received an updated timetable for the delivery of MetroLink within the past 12 months; if that timetable includes the phased opening of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54322/26]
View answer243. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed the impact that a phased opening of MetroLink would have on project delivery, passenger services and the expected completion date for the full route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54323/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241, 242 and 243 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
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. It is a key project under the National Development Plan (NDP) and NDP Review 2025. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order in October 2025. This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which, following successful mediation, has been withdrawn.
As the Deputy may be aware, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted AG2 documentation, including the Detailed Business Case, to the NTA and the Department earlier this year. The NTA and my Department are undertaking an integrated assurance process to accelerate review and approval times, rather than the usual sequential approach. This approach will maintain recent momentum gained on MetroLink while ensuring strong oversight at this stage, as the project prepares to move into detailed procurement. I expect to bring a recommendation to Cabinet over the coming two months, which will include an update on the estimated cost range.
Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.
Currently, a phased opening of MetroLink is not envisaged. However, the current construction programme facilitates phased testing and commission of sections of the route to enable a more efficient regulatory approval process. This may offer the opportunity for services to commence on sections of the line prior to completion of all works, which can be considered at a later date.
