New estimated cost of Dublin Metro rail system to be brought to cabinet

New estimated cost of Dublin metro rail system brought to Cabinet
Previous estimate in 2022 was €9.5 billion
Route links Swords and Dublin Airport to city centre and Ranelagh
Work could begin next year with operation in mid to late 2030s
Project one of nine of critical national importance

The new estimated cost of building a metro rail system for Dublin is being brought to the Cabinet for approval, with the figure expected to be higher than the last estimate for the project four years ago. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien is outlining to his Cabinet colleagues how much the project is now expected to cost, more than 25 years since it was revealed. When planning permission was submitted in 2022, the Government stated the estimated price tag was €9.5 billion, based on costing that put the price range between €7.16 billion and €12.25 billion. Since then, construction costs have soared and the new estimate is expected to be higher.

If the Cabinet approves the spend, MetroLink can take the next step to a detailed procurement phase, marking one of the biggest milestones in the history of the project. Bids can then begin for the construction and operation of the almost 19 kilometre, mostly underground route, which will link Swords and Dublin Airport to the city centre and Ranelagh. Work could then begin next year with MetroLink expected to begin operating in around a decade, in the mid to late 2030s. The project has been beset by delays, legal challenges and rising costs during that time.

It is one of nine major projects which during this summer were revealed as being of critical national importance, giving them priority status for faster processing and decision-making. Public bodies must take steps to reduce the time needed for approvals and ensure that necessary administrative, technical and decision-making resources are allocated.