Metro North is back on track

Dublin People 29 Sep 2015
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe

METRO North has been chosen as the Government’s preferred project to meet the transport needs of the region, running from the city centre to the airport and Swords.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, today announced an allocation of almost €10 billion to his department over the next seven years. It will provide for appropriate levels of investment to be made in public transport to maintain and improve the existing network. 

The minister said it would allow for the growing problem of urban congestion to be addressed and for the sustainable transport agenda to be supported.

Six billion euro is being made available to support the development of our road network, with provision for a strategic rail line to serve the transport needs of North Dublin. Funding will also be allocated for the DART Expansion Project, with an allocation being made for the redesign of the DART Underground, which the minister said remains a key element of integrated transport for the Greater Dublin Area.

Funding for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is being made as part of the Government’s overall €27 billion Capital Plan, as announced today by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin

Speaking this afternoon, Minister Donohoe said: ‘This allocation of almost €10 billion for my department reflects the priority that Government places on transport and delivering a well-functioning transport system that facilitates a growing economy. By planning now for the years ahead, we will ensure that the services we deliver can adequately meet our needs so that continued future economic growth is supported.”

Welcoming the plan, Dublin North West TD John Lyons (Lab) said: “This is great news for the development of Dublin’s Northside, particularly the Metro North, which will give a much needed boost to the area.

“The Metro North will serve Ballymun, DCU, and Northwood, among other areas. This will help the future development of Ballymun, making it a much more attractive place for businesses to set up, which will lead to many more jobs in the years to come. It will also bring a huge boost to the area of Northwood, which is one of the fastest growing areas in North Dublin.”

Related News