Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Director, Peter Walsh has told the closing session of the oral hearing into the MetroLink high-frequency railway line to Dublin airport that MetroLink would alleviate congestion, transform public transportation and address critical issues of accessibility and sustainable growth.
Following the conclusion of the oral hearing into the estimated €9.5bn MetroLink project, An Bord Pleanála will issue a decision on the railway order, with the possibility of re-opening the hearing at the board’s discretion.
Concerns and criticisms raised by residents and organisations impacted by the MetroLink construction process, including lack of engagement and transparency from TII, were highlighted during the hearing, with calls for improved communication, involvement, and consideration of community concerns throughout the project.
Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan suggested conditional approval of the MetroLink project to ensure adequate railway connectivity, particularly proposing exploring the option of terminating the line in the city centre rather than Charlemont to optimize public transport coverage throughout Dublin.
The proposed MetroLink line is designed to run trains every three minutes during peak hours, with a capacity to transport up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction along the 18.8km route that includes 16 new stations from Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport and the city centre.
