Transport Minister Secures Government Approval for Dedicated MetroLink Delivery Body

By
Geoff Percival
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DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 9: Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien, during a press conference at Government Buildings, Dublin, unveiling Government's Dublin City Taskforce, on May 9, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland. After the recent clearance of a significant makeshift migrant camp near the International Protection Office on Mount Street, authorities swiftly conducted an early morning operation to remove a new encampment with tents along the Grand Canal, prompting immediate Government intervention through the establishment of the Dublin City Taskforce. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has secured Cabinet approval for a policy proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body. 

The proposed statutory delivery body would work under the aegis of the Minister for Transport, and be responsible for delivering the project for the public. This reflects the size and importance of MetroLink for the country. 

Minister O’Brien said: “I would like to express my thanks to all the staff and the Board of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), for their extensive and important work in advancing MetroLink to date. This has included the establishment of the MetroLink Directorate within TII, bringing MetroLink through the planning application process, the continuing design and progression of the procurement strategy, and the significant public consultation and promotion of the project.”

This policy proposal follows the 2nd October decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant approval for the MetroLink Railway Order, as well as the Government’s firm commitment in the National Development Plan Review to fund construction of MetroLink from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.

The Department of Transport will now establish a working group consisting of officials from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority, and other relevant Departments. The group will review practical and legislative issues to be addressed in establishing the dedicated MetroLink delivery body. This work will include the preparation of a General Scheme of a Bill to help give legislative effect to this policy proposal.

MetroLink will directly support the delivery of approximately 31,700 additional housing units along the corridor to support a population growth of close to 90,000 people, including the Transport Orientated Development areas of Ballymun and Lissenhall. It will provide access to hospitals, schools and third-level institutions, and leisure facilities, as well as Dublin Airport. The provision of a Park and Ride facility will ensure access beyond those who can easily walk or cycle.

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