Government Seeks to Fast-Track MetroLink Agency Legislation by Q1 Next Year
The Irish Government is fast-tracking legislation to establish a State agency for the Dublin MetroLink project. Minister Darragh O’Brien seeks to waive scrutiny to enact the bill by Q1 next year. This €15-18 billion project, Ireland's largest, aims for 2028 construction start and mid-2030s completion.
The Government aims to fast-track legislation for a State agency to deliver the planned Dublin MetroLink project. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has requested the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport waive pre-legislative scrutiny of the MetroLink Bill to expedite its enactment by the first quarter of next year.
MetroLink, projected to cost €15 billion to €18 billion, will be the largest and most expensive public project in Ireland's history. This 19km high-frequency rail line will connect Swords to Charlemont, serving Dublin Airport and the city centre. O’Brien expects to bring tender proposals to the Cabinet mid-month, with construction potentially starting in 2028 and completion by the mid-2030s.
The new MetroLink Agency will be financed by a dedicated statutory fund, «Ciste Forbartha Meitreo», to ensure multiannual funding and address cost concerns. The agency will have its own board and a CEO accountable to the Public Accounts Committee, with the Secretary General of the Department of Transport serving as the accounting officer. A transition strategy is being developed with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority to transfer MetroLink responsibilities to the autonomous agency.