Ireland approves construction of €15.7 billion Dublin MetroLink, tender to be launched soon

Dublin, Ireland (Rail & Metro Today): The Irish Government has approved the Dublin MetroLink project to move into its detailed tender phase, marking a major step towards the construction of a new high-capacity metro line connecting Dublin Airport, northern suburbs and the city centre. The decision, announced on September 16, 2026, paves the way for companies to bid for construction and operational contracts estimated to be worth several billion euros.

The 19-kilometre Dublin MetroLink will run along the city’s north-south corridor between Estuary in the Swords area and Charlemont in south Dublin. The largely underground metro line will feature 16 stations and is planned to provide a high-capacity public transport connection to some of the capital’s most important destinations, including Dublin Airport, Dublin City University, Mater Hospital, Rotunda Hospital and central Dublin.

The project is expected to enter its construction phase with preparatory works beginning early next year, followed by major tunnelling and station construction activities.

Dublin MetroLink Estimated to Cost €15.7 Billion

The scale of the MetroLink project reflects Ireland’s long-term plans to strengthen public transport infrastructure in the Dublin metropolitan area. According to the detailed business case prepared by Ireland’s Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA), the estimated project cost is between €14.5 billion and €17.5 billion, excluding VAT and including allowances for project risks and inflation.

The central estimate currently stands at approximately €15.75 billion. However, the final cost will only become clearer after the tender process is completed and bids are received from prospective contractors.

The move into the detailed tender phase is therefore significant as it transitions MetroLink from planning and development towards the procurement and delivery stage.

Earlier this month, Irish authorities selected the Jacobs AECOM consortium to provide project management and coordinate the implementation phases of MetroLink. The appointment is expected to support the delivery of one of Ireland’s largest and most technically complex transport infrastructure projects.

Driverless Metro with High Passenger Capacity

MetroLink is being designed as a fully electrified and automated metro system, with trains operating without drivers. The railway will be built largely underground, helping minimise its impact on the densely developed urban environment while providing a fast north-south connection through Dublin.

The planned trains will be approximately 64 metres long and are expected to operate at intervals of around three minutes during peak periods in both directions. The system is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers per direction per hour, giving Dublin a substantial increase in high-capacity urban rail capacity.

The project also has an important interchange role within Dublin’s wider public transport network. MetroLink will be integrated with existing mainline railway services, DART and Luas light rail, as well as the city’s bus network. This integration is intended to make the new metro line part of a wider multimodal transport system rather than an isolated rail project.

MetroLink to Reshape Dublin’s Public Transport Network

The development of MetroLink comes as Dublin faces increasing demand for reliable and high-capacity public transport. By linking the airport, northern communities, major institutions and the city centre, the new metro is expected to create a faster north-south transport corridor while supporting the broader development of the metropolitan region.

“The advancement of Dublin MetroLink into the detailed tender phase demonstrates how major cities are increasingly turning towards high-capacity, automated and integrated metro systems to meet long-term mobility requirements. A project of this scale also highlights the importance of coordinated planning, modern technology and seamless integration with existing rail and public transport networks. MetroLink has the potential to become an important component of Dublin’s future urban mobility system while creating a stronger foundation for sustainable growth,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group.

With preparatory construction activities expected to begin next year, attention will now turn to the tendering process, contractor selection and detailed implementation planning. Once completed, MetroLink will represent a major expansion of Dublin’s rapid transit infrastructure and one of the most significant public transport investments undertaken in Ireland.