MetroLink cost expected to be much higher than estimated
The estimated cost for Dublin's MetroLink project has surged to nearly €16 billion, more than doubling from initial 2022 estimates. The Irish government has approved the revised budget, allowing the project to proceed to the procurement and tender phase.
Why it matters
This significant cost escalation highlights the challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects and their impact on public spending and national economic planning.
The minimum cost of building a metro for Dublin has more than doubled in four years, with the estimated price tag now between €14.4bn and €17.5bn, with the expected pricetag now predicted to be just under €16bn.
The Government has approved the revised cost of MetroLink, allowing the project to fully go to tender, with a view to works beginning next year.
It is one of the most significant milestones in the history of the project, which was first announced more than 25 years ago.
When the Government applied for planning permission for MetroLink in 2022, it said the predicted price tag was around €9.5bn, based on a range of between €7.16bn and €12.25bn
The new estimated cost now ranges from €14.4bn to €17.5bn with the expected centre point of €15.75bn.
MetroLink says that building inflation and design changes have led to the increased bill.
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