The Metrolink connecting Dublin Airport to the city centre has been granted planning permission. The 18.8 km MetroLink rail line, most of which will be underground, is set to run from north of Swords to Charlemont in the south of Dublin city centre, with an estimated cost of €11 billion.
An Coimisiún Pleanála decided to grant permission generally in accordance with an inspector’s recommendation, which is contained in a comprehensive 1,600-page report. In granting the railway order, it also allows for the compulsory acquisition of land required for the project.
Various Metro projects for the capital have been proposed over recent decades, but none have yet proceeded to the construction stage despite more than €100 million being spent on planning those routes. Once operational, trains are expected to run every three minutes during peak periods.
The approval was welcomed by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, who plans to bring proposals to the Government for the establishment of MetroLink as a statutory delivery body responsible for overseeing the project’s construction. This is the largest single investment project outlined in the National Development Plan.
Minister O’Brien stated, “MetroLink will be transformative for the people of North Dublin and the entire country. It will provide a fast, high-capacity, high-frequency public transport route, and it will enable the construction of tens of thousands of new homes.”
Dublin Chamber also welcomed the decision, calling the metro a game-changer for the capital. However, it warned that work must start without delay to realize the benefits as soon as possible.
The Railway Order authorizes all necessary works for the construction of MetroLink. The journey time from Swords to the city centre is expected to be approximately 25 minutes.
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*Note: By the end of 2023, over €150 million had been spent on MetroLink developments.*
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/metrolink-from-airport-to-dublin-granted-planning-permission-1813792.html
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