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Dublin’s long-awaited Metrolink project has been allocated €2bn in Budget 2026.
The project, which dates back to 2000, was finally given the green light by An Coimisiún Pleanála last week. The planning body’s decision approves the new 18.8km railway line, most of which will be underground, from Charlemont to Swords Estuary, connecting the city to the airport.
Metrolink will cost upwards of an estimated €11bn when completed. Allocating €2bn towards the project today, Minister for Public Expenditure said: “Planning for this transformational project has been approved – now it’s time to deliver.”
The commencement of a new “Dublin-Derry airlink” in 2026 was also announced in today’s Budget, enabling regular air travel between Dublin and Derry.
Sinn Féin welcomed the move as “hugely positive for the entire northwest”. Party MLA Pádraig Delargy said: “City of Derry Airport has a huge role to play in our local economy, helping to connect communities and businesses across these islands.
“Sinn Féin in the Executive has been working to support the airport, and this additional service funded by the Irish Government will provide yet another boost.
“I’ll continue working with ministers and the other parties to unlock our region’s potential and drive its positive transformation.”
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