The National Transport Authority (NTA) has indicated that a future expansion of the proposed MetroLink system to connect with the Dublin-Belfast rail line at Donabate could be looked into. Responding in writing to a parliamentary enquiry, the NTA pointed out that there was a consideration of extending the metro to Donabate initially when the metro was chosen as the ideal approach for the corridor from the city centre to Swords. However, the travel demand to and from Donabate did not justify the northwards extension of the metro at that time.
The current design of the MetroLink project allows for possible future extensions to serve Donabate. The forthcoming MetroLink system is planned to operate between Swords, situated in North County Dublin, and Charlemont on the south.
The areas around Donabate and Portrane in North Dublin are witnessing a construction boom with several new houses being built and more upcoming. According to some predictions, the population of these regions could surge to around 20,000 in upcoming years.
The NTA views the MetroLink project, presently under consideration by An Bord Pleanála, as the best response to cater to the anticipated travel demand in North Dublin. The metro would form part of an integrated transport system, to also include Dart+ Coastal North and BusConnects.
Reviews of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy are mandated to occur every six years under the Dublin Transport Authority Act. These reviews take into consideration changes in factors such as population and employment spread, emerging policies, and proposals from diverse stakeholders. In its next transport strategy review, the NTA will fully examine the growth of Donabate, proposals from the All Island Strategic Rail Review that could affect travel demand from the area, and potential long-term solutions. The NTA shared this information with Sinn Féin TD, Denise Mitchell.
This week, reports from The Irish Times indicated that the public consultation concerning MetroLink is being reconvened, following a hiatus of almost five months after a meeting orchestrated by An Bord Pleanála on the scheme’s details.
The hearing discussing the €9.5 billion metro line, featuring 16 stations, located in key areas such as Dublin Airport and city centre, initially launched on February 19th, closing without any delay on March 28th.
Nevertheless, just before the consultation was due to conclude, Barry O’Donnell, an inspector for the board, mentioned that the project would need to be “re-advertised” owing to fresh data that Transport Infrastructure Ireland delivered. This state-established transport organisation is accountable for the development of the 18.8km railway line.
In responses to several parliamentary queries, the NTA mentioned that the indefinite end to the planning procedure made it unrealistic to establish a concrete date for the inauguration of the MetroLink work.
Common consensus indicated that, due to the enormity of the procurement procedure, the primary building operations for the MetroLink are likely set to kick off around two years post receiving a legally enforceable railway order, the equivalent of planning consent, subject to attaining the final clearance from the Government.
In a separate response, the NTA also stated that it anticipates the public discourse on potential routes for the Navan railway line, would get underway towards the end of 2025 or at the early stages of 2026.