The Irish Government is set to consider formal Cabinet approval to advance Dublin’s MetroLink project into its detailed tender phase, representing a key milestone for the country's largest infrastructure project.

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien is bringing the proposal to Cabinet to permit Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to invite shortlisted consortia to submit detailed commercial tenders. The procurement process covers the construction, system integration, and long-term operation of the automated rail network.

MetroLink is designed as an 18.8-kilometre high-frequency line running predominantly underground from Swords through Dublin Airport to Charlemont in Dublin city centre. Serving 16 stations, the rail line aims to carry up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction, cutting travel time between north Dublin and the city centre to approximately 25 minutes.

The detailed tender phase follows planning authorization granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála and extensive market engagement with international construction and transport operators. Recent documentation submitted as part of the project's business case incorporates updated cost estimates reflecting building sector inflation, minor design modifications, and provisions for temporary worker housing during peak construction.

Following the submission and evaluation of final bids, the Government will be required to give final sign-off before contract execution and the commencement of major on-site construction works. The rail line is targeted to become operational in the mid-2030s.