Developers Hesitant on MetroLink Housing Corridor Despite Tendering Approval
Sunday 27 September 2026
Developers holding land along Dublin's planned MetroLink route remain cautious about committing to new housing schemes despite government approval to tender the rail line.
Irish developers remain hesitant to advance residential schemes along the planned MetroLink corridor despite government approval to begin tendering the 19-kilometre rail project.
The Department of Transport projects that the rail line, planned to run from Charlemont in south Dublin to north of Swords, will support the delivery of between 77,000 and more than 100,000 new homes by providing high-frequency public transport into Dublin city centre.
However, builders with holdings along the route report remaining in a wait-and-see position before progressing capital investments. Dundrum-based developer Castlethorn, which owns land along the north Dublin section of the corridor, confirmed it is holding off on progressing development, including baseline infrastructure such as water connections.
Ronan Columb, group managing director of Castlethorn, stated that extended delivery timelines continue to prompt caution across the sector, with passenger operations on the line not anticipated until at least 2036.