In The News MetroLink gets the green light: When will it arrive?
Oct 3, 2025
Olivia Kelly, Dublin editor at the Irish Times, dives into the exciting approval of the MetroLink, connecting Dublin Airport to the city. She elaborates on the line's extensive history, its 18.8 km mostly-underground route with 16 stops, and the futuristic driverless trains. Kelly highlights potential impacts on housing and public transport, while discussing the intricate planning and possible legal challenges ahead. With construction estimated to start soon and the first rides expected by the mid-2030s, excitement is palpable for this transformative project.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Decades-Long Project Finally Moves Forward
- The Metrolink has been a policy aim for decades and only now has got valid planning permission after a previous 2010 approval was shelved for lack of funds.
- The decision revives a long-standing infrastructure priority and moves the project from talk into a real delivery pathway.
Route, Underground Design And Capacity
- The line is mostly underground over its 18.8km route, linking Estuary, Swords, Dublin Airport and central Dublin to Charlemont.
- Trains will be driverless, run every few minutes, and capacity is about 20,000 people per hour each way.
Housing Growth Triggered In North Dublin
- Swords is a large town with limited fast public transport and significant zoned land that the Metrolink will unlock for housing.
- The project could trigger intensive residential development in North Dublin and Fingal's hinterland.