Sean Sweeney, hailing from New Zealand, has been selected as the project director for the forthcoming metro system in Dublin, a role that will see him earn €550,000 annually, as per an agreement ratified by the Government. Sweeney’s remuneration package also includes relocation costs capped at €30,000, private health insurance, as well as a company car.
Following a global recruitment drive, the appointment was made by the Department of Transport, citing a comprehensive pay review of similar positions in the industry that reflected an average wage of over €623,000. The induction of Mr Sweeney symbolises an important development for the MetroLink initiative in Dublin, the department added.
Sweeney brings with him a wealth of experience and a commendable career that spans over thirty years in managerial positions in sizeable infrastructure programmes in Australia, the US and his home country. He is widely acknowledged for his proficiency in the administration and implementation of sizeable capital work and tunnelling.
Most recent on his CV is his post as CEO of City Rail Link, an innovative underground rail link located in Auckland’s city centre, earning the title as the most significant transport infrastructure undertaking in New Zealand’s history.
The Department of Transport noted that potential candidates of Sweeney’s calibre are a rarity globally, recognising this fact prior to the recruitment procedure.
With respect to the specific skills and veteran experience needed for this paradigm-shifting endeavour, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform montioned a starter wage of €550,000 for the position, which falls below the globally reviewing rate for this tier of proficiency.
Eamon Ryan, the Minister for Transport, has applauded Sweeney’s recruitment, defining it as a crucial stride in ensuring the realisation of MetroLink. “Having such a respected Project Director, known globally for seeing massive infrastructural undertakings through to conclusion, is a monumental stride to ensure MetroLink’s delivery this time around,” Ryan expressed.
Ryan stressed his eagerness to propel the construction phase forward post the project’s planning phase, with the aim to deliver a superior metro system swiftly. He believes that Sweeney’s appointment extends beyond the project’s progression within the coming decade, but rather emphasises the transport system’s adaptability to cater to future requirements.
Anne Graham, the CEO of the National Transport Authority, stated that the appointment marked a significant advancement in this vital project, demonstrating clear progress. Following his appointment on Tuesday, Mr Sweeney shared that his late father, a native of Castlebar, Co Mayo, would have been extremely pleased and massively proud to know that his son was returning to oversee this substantial project for Dublin. He expressed his enthusiasm and honour for being chosen to lead the MetroLink project, a once-in-a-lifetime initiative aimed at revolutionising the capital city’s public transport system. Mr Sweeney’s role with Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be based on a contract with a specific purpose.