As we approach the end of a busy 2024 for MetroLink, we are pleased to share an update on our programme’s progress. Under the leadership of our newly appointed Programme Director, Dr. Sean Sweeney, MetroLink continues to mobilise a team of industry experts to complement and bolster our current delivery team. Dr. Sweeney brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for Ireland’s first-ever mega project, and his expertise will be instrumental in delivering this project.
MetroLink will be a game changer for the Irish people, a programme that will reshape public transport in Ireland.
This month (December) we responded to a second round of public consultations, with a total of 43 submissions received by An Bord Pleanála (ABP), a significant reduction from the 317 received during the first round. We will continue to update you on the progress of this process however, ultimately this is a matter for ABP and is outside of the programme's control.
Over the course of the past 12 months, TII has continued to enhance and grow the MetroLink delivery team, mobilising over 700 personnel who are now working exclusively on the preparation and delivery of the tender designs, the advanced and enabling works contracts and stakeholder engagement, amongst other related activities.
As part of our forward momentum, we recently issued Periodic Indicative Notices (PINs) for market consultations on the Advanced Works, Project Delivery Partner and M400 series contracts. This marks a significant step in preparing the groundwork for the full rollout of MetroLink. These contracts highlight the scale and complexity of the programme and the exciting opportunities for market engagement ahead.
Following issue of the PINs for Market Consultation for certain advanced and enabling works packages earlier in the year, TII has completed market consultations, and these PINs have now closed. It is now proposed to issue the following six scope packages in 2025:
The M120 Specialist Heritage Works has been combined into the M110 Enabling Works and Specialist Heritage Contract.
TII issued a PIN for the PDP contract on 26th August 2024 (TED Reference: 509146-2024 and eTenders PMC ID: 4185006). This PIN invited interested parties to register their interest and participate in a market consultation exercise for the proposed PDP appointment focusing on the proposed procurement strategy and commercial principles for the PDP contract.
TII issued a PIN for the design build M400 series contracts on 29 August 2024 (TED Reference: 518372-2024 and eTenders PMC ID: 4212008). This PIN invited interested parties to register, or re-register, their interest in the M400 contracts and to participate in a market consultation on features of the proposed contract (NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) Option C Target Contract with Activity Schedule). This forms part of TII’s continuing dialogue with interested parties.
Following a recent general election, voters in Ireland have chosen a return of a similar coalition Government reflecting a desire for political stability and continuity. The incoming Government will shortly form a coalition and will agree on a programme for Government. Once this new Government is in place, we look forward to resuming our engagement with the new Minister for Transport and the new Taoiseach.
Importantly, MetroLink has enjoyed considerable strong cross-party support before the election, and we strongly anticipate this support will continue once the new Government is formed.
While we await the new Government’s formation, we are committed to keeping the market informed about MetroLink’s progress. Once Government formation has followed due process, we will re-engage and provide details about significant upcoming market opportunities.
We are excited to continue working with our partners and stakeholders to make MetroLink happen, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to Ireland’s sustainable transport future. We expect to engage again in the New Year as we embark on this next phase with renewed energy and a shared vision for success.
Thank you for your continued interest and support.
Visit the eTenders website at www.etenders.gov.ie for further information.
Download a PDF copy of this update here: MetroLink Market Update - December 2024.
Published: 20 December 2024