MetroLink is the largest single public transport project ever undertaken in the Republic of Ireland and is a critical new piece of infrastructure for the planned integrated transport system for the Greater Dublin Area.
KEY INFORMATION
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Date started: 2018
Completion date: ongoing
Client type: infrastructure
Main capabilities: controls and performance, cost and commercial management, digital, procurement and supply chain, programme advisory, project management, sustainability
Delivering Dublin’s transport needs
Dublin’s population is projected to increase by at least 1.4 million by 2040. This, combined with the city’s status as a key employment hub for the wider region, means a transport system that can reliably and sustainably accommodate expanding numbers is crucial.
MetroLink is a transformative piece of new public transport infrastructure planned by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to meet this anticipated demand. It will comprise a high-capacity, high-frequency, modern and efficient metro railway, with 16 new stations running from Swords to Charlemont.
The system will link Dublin Airport, Irish Rail, DART, Dublin Bus and Luas tram services and create a fully integrated public transport network.
Implementing multi-disciplinary solutions
We have supported the MetroLink project since 2018, providing commercial advisory and project management services, and in August 2023 we were appointed as client partner.
Our scope of work as client partner has involved drafting detailed roadmaps for the project’s delivery. We are supporting the client in their organisational readiness to complete the tender design and procure their delivery partners and contractors for the design-build stage of the project.
To date, we have mobilised a client partner team of more than 500 to deliver the pre-contract phase of work, drawing on our team of global experts, which is expected to increase to 600 by 2025. The next phase of the project will involve the appointment of major contracts, in addition to advanced works already underway.
The contracts will include the detailed design and construction of tunnels, station structures and viaducts, and the detailed design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the rail system.
Supporting sustainable travel and job creation
Scheduled to be operational in early 2030s, the MetroLink programme aims to deliver an efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient public transport service. It will also support Ireland’s transition to low-emission transport systems and the delivery of Ireland’s target of reaching net zero by 2050.
From the planned opening to 2050, it is estimated that MetroLink will enable one billion fully electrified, carbon neutral trips, divert up to 360 million car trips and encourage 146 million cycle trips.
The creation of the MetroLink will also improve accessibility to jobs, education and other economic activity. Currently there is no direct rail link between the airport and the city, despite Dublin Airport supporting approximately 19,000 jobs on location. However, once operational, MetroLink will provide a rapid service from the city centre, allowing passengers to reach the airport directly in just 20 minutes.
