DUBLIN – A major legal obstacle to Ireland’s largest infrastructure project has been cleared following a high-stakes mediation process. The State, through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), has offered to purchase approximately 10 luxury homes on Dartmouth Square in Ranelagh to resolve a judicial review that threatened to delay the €13.5 billion MetroLink project for years.
The residents, who had lodged the legal challenge over concerns regarding the project’s terminus at Charlemont and its impact on their neighborhood, have now withdrawn their application. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien described the resolution as an “early Christmas present,” noting that the project now has “clean planning permission” to move forward.
Key Details of the Agreement:
- The Buyout: While the Minister declined to state the exact price, experts estimate the cost of the 10 homes to be between €25 million and €30 million, based on recent market values in the affluent area (approx. €2.7m per house).
- Timeline: With the legal hurdle removed, the government plans to issue tender notices in 2026, with enabling works potentially starting in 2027.
- The Project: The 18.8km rail line will link Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport, providing a transformative transport link for the capital.
