Fingal County Council welcomes announcement of Metro Link
Fingal County Council has welcomed the announcement of a metro system linking Swords and Sandyford at the launch of Project Ireland 2040 in Sligo today.
The Metro North project, which was to have run from Swords to St Stephen’s Green, has been extended and renamed Metro Link. According to Project Ireland 2040 - National Development Plan 2018-2027, Metro Link will be complete by 2027.
The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, who attended today’s launch, said that the decision to finally give the green light to a metro system for Fingal is a major boost.
“A northbound metro system is the most crucial piece of infrastructure needed in Ireland because not only will it link the Airport with Dublin City Centre, it will also link Swords and North County Dublin with existing public transport infrastructure such as LUAS and DART. The decision to extend it south of Dublin City Centre to Sandyford is also welcome as it makes the system even more attractive for users and we now await the announcement of the specific details and timelines next month. “
“This will be a game-changer for Fingal as the new metro system will allow for the sustainable growth of Swords in accordance with our Development Plan. I am also pleased that the National Planning Framework specifically recognises the future development potential of Swords” said Mr Reid.
The Council’s Director of Strategic Infrastructure and Planning, AnnMarie Farrelly, said that Fingal has already put in place the necessary preparatory steps required to fully exploit the arrival of a metro system for the benefit of the local community and local business.
“The metro is a key piece in our planning for the sustainable development of Fingal. It will unlock the tremendous potential along the Metro Economic Corridor to the north of Swords as outlined in our 2017-2023 County Development Plan. From the point where it will cross the county boundary, we have put in place plans which will allow us to be ready to benefit from the moment the first journey is made.
“The strategic development sites along the metro route have the potential to deliver significant new housing and local employment from now to 2040. This will ensure that housing choice and high skilled employment opportunities are provided for existing and future residents,” said Ms Farrelly.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley, said: “Getting a cast-iron commitment to proceed with the construction of a northbound metro system has been a major priority for councillors on Fingal County Council for many years. On behalf of my colleagues I welcome its inclusion in the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan and I look forward to the project being delivered as quickly as possible because it is long overdue.”