How MetroLink plan went off the rails

2005

The underground rail project – called Metro North – is first recommended in the Government’s 2005 ‘Transport 21’ plan.

2007

March: Transport for Ireland (TFI) begins the procurement process for Metro North. OcTOber: a shortlist of four interested consortia is announced.

2011

The Fine Gael-led government decides not to proceed with Metro North, despite securing planning permission and funding from the european Investment bank for the project.

2018

The National Transport authority (NTa) announces revised plans for the former Metro North, now called MetroLink. It is to cost an estimated €3bn, with work getting under way in 2027.

2021

GOverNMeNT representatives admit the 2027 target ‘was never likely to be achievable’ and that 2032 is a more viable date for the project.

2022

SepTeMber: an application for planning permission for MetroLink is lodged. The line will run between north Swords and charlemont in the south-inner city.

2023

JaNuary: The National Transport authority says MetroLink will open as soon as 2032. however, a transport policy expert tells the Irish Mail on Sunday the date is more likely to be 2036.

SepTeMber: The Irish Mail on Sunday reveals details of a cabinet memo which warns that flagship infrastructure projects – including MetroLink – are under threat due to a €14bn inflationdriven deficit in the National Development plan (NDp).

DeceMber: Transport Minister eamon ryan admits completing MetroLink and other key transport projects in the National Development plan ‘is going to be a huge challenge’.