Cabinet to approve MetroLink move to detailed tender stage
Wednesday 16 September 2026
Cabinet ministers are expected to sign off on the detailed procurement phase for Dublin's €14.5bn to €17.5bn MetroLink project, allowing private companies to bid.
Government ministers will today sign off on the detailed tender stage of Dublin's MetroLink railway project, opening the procurement process for private bidders.
The Cabinet decision marks a key milestone for the 19km railway line, allowing private firms to bid for both construction and operations contracts. Once approval is secured, the project will immediately progress into its detailed procurement phase, with preparatory work on the ground projected to begin next year.
Funding and Delivery Cost
The overall cost of the infrastructure project is currently estimated to fall between €14.5 billion and €17.5 billion. This total represents a significant increase from the project's original midpoint cost estimate of €9.5 billion.
To prepare for construction, a management contract worth up to €550 million was recently awarded to an engineering and consultancy consortium comprising Jacobs and Aecom to oversee the delivery stage.
Route and Connections
Previously referred to as Metro North, the proposed MetroLink line is a partly underground transit system designed to connect Swords and Dublin Airport directly with Dublin city centre. The route is also planned to integrate with existing rail networks and Luas lines.
Minister Darragh O’Brien is presenting the proposal to Cabinet today to formalise the transition to the active tendering phase.