Sean Sweeney, a resident of New Zealand, will assume responsibility for launching the Metrolink.

When MetroLink opens, it will connect several residential districts in North Dublin, including Swords, Ballymun, and Glasnevin, with the city centre, Dublin Airport, key employment zones, educational institutions, transportation hubs, and other services. MetroLink will serve 15 stations.

The trip via MetroLink from Swords to the south city centre will take around twenty-five minutes.

According to a recent estimate, the project will cost €9.5 billion to build in total.

Sean Sweeney is a specialist in tunnelling and the acquisition and execution of major capital projects.

He served as the CEO of City train Link, the largest transportation infrastructure project in New Zealand and a game-changer subterranean train link in Auckland's downtown.

Mr. Sweeney has had other noteworthy roles as well, such as chairing the Victorian Government Project Management Leadership Forum and serving as Executive Director for Major Projects Victoria in Australia, where he oversaw a multibillion dollar portfolio of projects and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has approved a base pay of €550,000 for the position due to the particular knowledge and experience needed for the project.

It was mentioned that this is less than the average equivalent rate for this level of skill worldwide, which is €623,516.

MetroLink will be completed this time, according to Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan. Hiring a globally renowned project director with experience completing large-scale infrastructure projects is a crucial first step.

“We now have one of the best people in the world on our team to get the job done,” added the minister.

“At the moment, this revolutionary initiative is not under planning. In order to achieve our deadlines and provide a top-notch metro system as soon as possible, I am eager for us to begin construction as soon as the design process is complete,” he continued.

According to NTA CEO Anne Graham, the goal of MetroLink is to improve accessibility between the city and Swords, the northern suburbs, and Dublin Airport by offering a regular, dependable, and environmentally friendly option as a component of an integrated public transportation system.

“Today’s appointment represents a significant step in this crucial project and is a clear indication that progress is being made.”

Mr Sweeney will be in charge of overseeing the creation and implementation of the MetroLink initiative, which intends to offer a new high-frequency, ecologically friendly public transport service, according to Transport Infrastructure Ireland CEO Peter Walsh.

“As our new MetroLink Project Director, Sean will be responsible for leading the development and delivery of this programme, which aims to provide a new high-frequency, environmentally friendly public transport service,” he stated.

“Through its connectivity with mainline rail, DART, Luas and BusConnects, MetroLink will transform public transport in Ireland, addressing critical issues such as congestion, accessibility and sustainable growth,” he stated.

The MetroLink project has cost more than €150 million, it was revealed before an Oireachtas committee last month. Despite the fact that “no significant physical work” has been done, the Public Accounts Committee heard that €158 million has been spent thus far.

The National Transport Authority's deputy CEO, Hugh Creegan, stated that “design, investigations, planning processes and so on” were the main uses of the funds.

“The next stage is an intensive stage to prepare the tender documents and procurement,” he stated.

According to his calculations, “getting all the contracts will cost between €100m and €200m.”