Government has doubled down on Metrolink, Clifford-Lee says

Fianna Fáil Senator for Dublin Fingal West, Lorraine Clifford Lee, has stated that today’s €2 billion commitment to low-carbon transportation, such as MetroLink is a “clear signal that the Government is treating Dublin like the global capital it is, and is ignoring those who would rather see Dublin stuck in the past.”

As part of the revised National Development Plan (NDP) announced today, the Government is allocating €2 billion to low-carbon transportation, such as MetroLink, which will be part of the largest ever single transport investment for the city. The wider plan includes €100 billion in funding for housing, energy, water, and transport from 2026 to 2030.

Senator Clifford Lee stated, “For too long, this project has been dogged by doubt and delay, often from the same voices, saying the same thing, but with today’s announcement, the Government has doubled down. The message is clear: Dublin is growing, and we’re building for that future.”

The Fianna Fáil senator pointed to the exploding population in north County Dublin, including towns like Balbriggan, Rush, Lusk, Donabate, Skerries, and Swords, as evidence of the critical need for modern, efficient transport links.

“Our communities have changed dramatically over the past 30 years. But the infrastructure hasn’t kept up. We’re asking people to raise families here, commute from here, build their lives here, but we haven’t given them the tools to do that sustainably,” she said.

“There’s always a chorus ready to kill a big idea before it starts,” she said. “But we cannot base national planning on unverified cost fears. Final costs for Metrolink will come through the tendering process, and that’s still to come. Let’s be clear: this is a transformational project, and its long-term value far outweighs the short-term noise.”

“Access to education and healthcare is being hampered by poor transport. Try getting to DCU from north county Dublin, it’s a long, complicated trip that discourages students from lower-income backgrounds. This is about giving people a real chance, not just a map with a route.”

She added, “Some of the critics have the luxury of never needing this service. But for thousands of families in North Dublin, this is the difference between spending two hours in traffic a day.

“Today’s funding commitment is a statement of intent. Now we must all get behind MetroLink, not just because it’s a good idea, but because it’s essential.”