September 4, 2025 – An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, officially launched the MetroLink Market Engagement Event during a comprehensive briefing event in Dublin today, alongside Tánaiste, Simon Harris.
The flagship market briefing event for MetroLink took place at the Helix in Dublin, offering the most in-depth details and updates on the project, outlining the exciting number of opportunities that this landmark infrastructure project will deliver for suppliers and contractors, nationally and internationally.
Speaking at the event about MetroLink, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said: “MetroLink represents huge opportunity for Ireland. This project will not only deliver the country’s first metro system but will also transform how people move around our country, with MetroLink enabling a wider integrated transport network. It is about delivering modern, sustainable infrastructure that supports our economy and climate ambitions, while also connecting communities. Today’s market engagement is a vital step in bringing international expertise and Irish enterprise together to make this vision a reality.”
Tánaiste, Simon Harris, also commented: “MetroLink is about ambition and delivery. It will connect our capital city, to national transport networks, including rail, Luas, bus, and Dublin Airport. Investing in world-class transport infrastructure will help strengthen Ireland’s global competitiveness, and make it easier for people to access jobs, education, and services. It is deeply encouraging to see so many national and international organisations attending today’s event, highlighting how Ireland remains a great place to work, live, invest, and build for the future.”
Over 600 guests were in attendance, amongst them many stakeholders seeking to partner with MetroLink as part of the ambitious programme. A second briefing in London at the Royal Institute of British Architects will follow on September 8th, before a series of market briefings across key European cities throughout the month of September.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is delivering MetroLink in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA), with construction set to take around nine years following receipt of the Railway Order.
A historic first metro system for Ireland, MetroLink has been identified under the updated National Development Plan (NDP) as a keystone infrastructure priority for meeting Ireland's future public
transport needs. Its inclusion signifies its importance in shaping sustainable infrastructure investment.
Under the July 2025 update, MetroLink received a dedicated allocation of €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature fund. As well as forming part of Project Ireland 2040, it features in broader frameworks like the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
Fully automated, MetroLink is a high-capacity metro system that is designed to transform public transport in the city. Spanning approximately 19km, it will connect Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport and the city centre. MetroLink will enhance national connectivity by seamlessly linking Dublin Airport and the city centre to regional transport networks, while also improving access to schools, universities, hospitals, and major employment hubs, supporting inclusive, integrated mobility across Ireland. This innovative and vital programme is a cornerstone of Ireland’s climate and mobility goals and will support economic growth. It will offer new business opportunities for a wide range of organisations, from large international firms to locally based Small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
MetroLink will also support some 8,000 direct construction jobs, as well as a further 2,500 to 3,000 indirect supply chain and support-related jobs each year.
The briefings will offer key updates on the MetroLink programme, including:
• MetroLink’s position at the heart of the new Irish National Development Plan (NDP)
• The latest information on bid cost expectations
• Introduction to the full MetroLink Executive Team, including leaders with extensive large-scale metro-project experience
• Clarification on the Enforceable Railway Order status
• Details on the DBFOM contract term and capital contribution.
The briefings will also provide a timetable for the procurement of:
• M401 NEC (Station box/tunnel civils)
• M402 NEC (Station box/tunnel civils)
• M500 DBFOM (Stations, systems, operations & maintenance)
ENDS.