The Railway Order gives the green light to the 18.8-kilometre line, which will connect Charlemont, just south of the city centre, to Swords Estuary in north County Dublin, with most of the route running underground.

The project has been in the pipeline for over two decades, first proposed in 2000 but shelved during the financial crisis. It was revived in recent years, with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitting its application in November 2022. Nearly three years of assessment have now culminated in approval, though with strict conditions attached.

Among the stipulations are measures to protect heritage sites and minimise disruption. Sensitive buildings and protected structures along the route will be closely monitored by an expert panel, which must sign off on risk assessments before work begins. Developers will also need to provide alternatives where local services face interruption: for instance, new training facilities for Fingallians GAA in Swords, and replacement parking spaces for residents at Glasnevin’s The Court apartment complex.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien hailed the decision as a “nation-building project,” calling MetroLink “transformative for North Dublin and the entire country.” By linking with Dublin Airport, DART, Luas, heavy rail and bus services, the new line is expected to reshape public transport, reduce congestion, and support the development of tens of thousands of new homes.

Despite the breakthrough, challenges remain. Final Cabinet approval is still required, costs have not been finalised, and construction is expected to span several years. With repeated false starts in the past, concerns persist about potential overruns and delays.

For many Dubliners, however, the approval marks the closest the city has ever come to finally realising its metro dream.