TII confirm 2021 start for Metrolink process

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West, Paul McAuliffe says he has received confirmation from the National Transport Authority that the airport railway link will be submitted to the new government in the first quarter of 2021.

In reply to a parliamentary question on the issue by Deputy McAuliffe the Transport Infrastructure Ireland stated “works are progressing with the preliminary design for the MetroLink preferred route alignment in consultation with key stakeholders such as Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council.

Deputy McAuliffe said: “The application for a railway order made to An Bord Pleanála was made in the second quarter 2 of the year. The Environmental Impact Assessment is progressing, and a project procurement strategy is being advanced.

“A Preliminary Business Case is expected to be submitted to Government for review in Q1 2021 and a Railway Order application is proposed to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in Q2 2021.

“This is very welcome news on a long-awaited project, While It has obvious social and economic benefits to the entire city, it will be of particular benefit in my own constituency.

“I will be seeking a meeting with TII to ensure detailed consultation takes place with the relevant resident’s groups to ensure any potential issues are addressed in advance of a planning application,” concluded Deputy McAuliffe.