Metrolink 'will be built regardless of trade war', says minister
An artist's impression of the Tara St Metrolink project entrance at night.
Metrolink is a “critically important” project and the Government will continue to develop it even if there are economic shocks from a EU-US trade war, the transport minister has said.
Darragh O’Brien said he wants to see construction work begin on the Dublin Metro during this term of Government, which is due to last until 2029.
“We’re at a very advanced stage with Metrolink. It’s a critically important project not just for the airport and North Dublin — but for the region and indeed nationally,” Mr O’Brien said.
The transport minister said that he expected a decision from An Bord Pleanála in the coming months, adding that initial preparatory work has been done.
Asked if the high spend on the project is justifiable, Mr O’Brien reiterated that it was critical for the country.
“There’s variance in the cost — anything in the region from €14bn to €21bn. That’s something that will be looked at in detail before obviously we proceed with the construction of the project,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said he expects the railway order for the project to be granted by An Bord Pleanála by October, when the Government will move to tender it out.
Mr O’Brien insisted that the project would “drive further revenues” for Ireland and will pay for itself in time.
“There’s a lot of interest internationally in this project and we have got to, as a State, look at the mechanisms of how we can fund this project,” he said.
"So I don’t see it as just a spending issue, it’s an investment issue that the cost-benefit analysis that’s been done on the project — it stacks up so well.”
Asked if he was concerned that the Government may need to cut back on large infrastructure projects due to the threat of US tariffs, Mr O’Brien said he doesn’t foresee this happening.
There needs to be further investment in infrastructure to ensure growth in Ireland and to underpin a modern economy, Mr O’Brien said.
