Sir, – I refer to Michael McDowell’s recent article “Will no one shout stop as the MetroLink bill heads past €20 billion?” (Opinion & Analysis, March 12th). While cost concerns are always valid, it is essential to consider the broader, long-term benefits that MetroLink offers to Dublin and future generations.
Mr McDowell highlights fluctuating cost estimates, yet this project has been in political limbo for over two decades-including during his own time in government. Had it been advanced when first proposed, Dublin would already be reaping its benefits, and taxpayers would not be facing the cost escalations caused by delay.
Abandoning MetroLink now would not only deprive Dublin of a transformative transport solution to its worsening congestion but also render previous expenditures wasteful. The long-term economic benefits – job creation, increased productivity, and enhanced attractiveness for foreign investment – far outweigh the initial financial outlay.
Moreover, Dublin Airport remains one of the few major European airports without a direct rail link to its city centre, a competitive disadvantage that must be corrected.
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MetroLink is not just about serving the airport; it will connect Swords to Charlemont, integrating with other services to create a fully connected public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area. Along with linking major transport hubs, MetroLink will serve key destinations such as Ballymun, the Mater hospital, the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin City University, and Trinity College Dublin.
Concerns over Ireland’s history of infrastructure cost overruns are justified, but MetroLink is being placed on a more robust footing. In the past year, a significant appointment has been made to the position of programme director an expert with over 30 years of experience in delivering large-scale construction projects, including New Zealand’s first metro line.
This leadership brings critical expertise in project execution, providing reassurance that MetroLink will be delivered with the efficiency and oversight it demands.
Furthermore, experts have clarified that the much-cited €20 billion figure reflects a “worst-case scenario” rather than the expected cost. The project has been rigorously reviewed by international experts, the European Commission, and its agency Jaspers, all of which have confirmed it represents value for money.
Successive governments have failed to deliver on major infrastructure, from transport to housing to energy. MetroLink is an opportunity to break that cycle. Further delay will only deepen Dublin’s infrastructure deficit and set back our ability to compete on an international stage.
Scrutiny of public expenditure is essential, but so too is decisive action. MetroLink is not just a transport project – it is an investment in Dublin’s future. The time for debate is over; it is time to build. – Yours, etc,
ANTHONY COONEY,
Chief Executive,
Fingal Chamber,
Dublin Airport,
Co Dublin.
