MetroLink cost expected to be much higher than estimated

The new estimated cost of building a metro for Dublin, which is being brought to Cabinet for approval this morning, is expected to be significantly higher than the last estimate for the project four years ago.

If Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien gets approval for MetroLink, work could begin on the long-awaited transport project next year.

More than a quarter of century since a metro for Dublin was first announced, today Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien will outline to Cabinet how much it is now expected to cost.

When planning permission was submitted in 2022, Government said the estimated price tag was €9.5 billion, based on costing that put the price range between €7.16 to and €12.25 billion.

Since then, construction costs have soared and the new estimate is expected to be significantly higher.

If Cabinet approves the spend, MetroLink can take the next step to a detailed procurement phase, marking one of 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.