MetroLink
- Department / body
- Department of Transport
- Delivery
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland / National Transport Authority
- Status
- Approved to tender
- Location
- Dublin
On 16 September 2026 the Government approved MetroLink to proceed to the detailed tender stage. Source: National Transport Authority, 16 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab)
A planned metro line from Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport and the city centre. Cost estimates have been published at each approval stage.
The numbers
Documented fact2022 approved estimate (restated, 2025 prices) → 2026 estimate
- Earlier figure
- €10.7bn
- Jul 2022
- Latest figure
- €15.75bn
- 16 Sep 2026
- Documented variance
- +€5.05bn / +47%
- Like-for-like
Calculation
Variance = €15.75bn − €10.7bn = €5.05bn
Percentage = €5.05bn ÷ €10.7bn × 100 = 47%
Earlier: 2025 prices. Latest: Incl. contingency and inflation, excl. VAT.
Published cost figures, in order
| Date | Figure | Amount | Scope / basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2018 | First published estimate (preferred route) | €3bn | Early estimate; scope and price basis not comparable with later figures | Source: The Irish Times, 27 Jul 2026 (opens in a new tab) |
| Jul 2022 | Preliminary Business Case — Government Approval Gate 1 | €9.5bnrange €7.16bn–€12.25bn | 2021 prices | Source: RTÉ News, 4 Jul 2022 (opens in a new tab); Railway Supply, Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab) |
| Jul 2022 | 2022 central estimate restated by the NTA in 2025 prices | €10.7bn | 2025 prices | Source: Railway Supply, Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab) |
| 16 Sep 2026 | Detailed Business Case — approval to tender | €15.75bnrange €14.44bn–€17.49bn | Incl. contingency and inflation, excl. VAT | Source: National Transport Authority, 16 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab); RTÉ News, 16 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab) |
Other comparisons
2022 estimate as published → 2026 estimate
- Earlier figure
- €9.5bn
- Jul 2022
- Latest figure
- €15.75bn
- 16 Sep 2026
- Documented variance
- +€6.25bn / +66%
- Not like-for-like
Different price bases (2021 vs current); the like-for-like comparison above adjusts for this.
2018 first estimate → 2026 estimate
- Earlier figure
- €3bn
- Mar 2018
- Latest figure
- €15.75bn
- 16 Sep 2026
- Documented variance
- +€12.75bn / +425%
- Not like-for-like
The 2018 figure was an early estimate on a different scope and price basis.
What the sources say
Documented fact- The 2026 estimate is a range of €14.44bn to €17.49bn, with a central estimate of €15.75bn. Source: National Transport Authority, 16 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab); RTÉ News, 16 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Reason given by sourceAs reported from the Detailed Business Case review: contractor costs rose by €1.04bn, partly attributed to market consolidation since 2021, and design changes added €1.16bn. Source: Railway Supply, Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Key dates
- Preferred route published
- Mar 2018
- Approval Gate 1 (Preliminary Business Case)
- Jul 2022
- Approval to tender (Detailed Business Case)
- 16 Sep 2026
Sources
Figures last checked against these sources on 1 Oct 2026. Where a news report is linked, it is reporting an official statement or document.
- MetroLink: the decades-long journey towards Ireland's first underground rail serviceThe Irish Times · 27 Jul 2026 · News report of official figures
- Estimate puts planned MetroLink costs at over €9.5bnRTÉ News · 4 Jul 2022 · News report of official figures
- Dublin MetroLink cleared for tender at €15.75bn, 47% above 2022 estimateRailway Supply (reporting the Detailed Business Case review) · Sep 2026 · News report of official figures
- Government approves MetroLink to proceed to detailed tender stageNational Transport Authority · 16 Sep 2026 · Official publication
- Cost of MetroLink project could rise as high as €17.5bnRTÉ News · 16 Sep 2026 · News report of official figures
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