Michael O’Leary is wrong to oppose the ‘transformative’ MetroLink project, Darragh O’Brien has said. 

The Ryanair boss predicted the rail link would cost the equivalent of "10 children's hospitals" and insisted that Dublin Airport is already well served by public transport. 

"Dublin Airport doesn't need it, Dublin Airport passengers won't use it - they're already well served by buses," he told RTÉ. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, the Minister for Transport said he disagreed with Mr O’Leary, insisting MetroLink is “not just about the airport”. 

“It’s the whole region as well and the cost benefit analysis is clear that for every €1 invested, €4 will be returned,” he explained.

“It’s very significant for Dublin in particular; it’s the first time a Government has actually funded a project and put money where their mouth is. 

“I went to the launch of this when I was a candidate in 2005 - 20 years ago. 

“So, I think this is a case in point of how not to do public transport infrastructure.” 

A digital mock-up of a Metrolink entrance at the front of St Stephen's Green Park in Dublin. Image: Metrolink.

Minister O’Brien continued while Dublin Airport is “critical” to MetroLink, it is will also boost economic development and housing for all communities along the route. 

“If you look at the area of Swords and beyond - which is the size of a city now - [it will mean] providing a rail route into the city that can carry 20,000 passengers an hour,” he said. 

“And will go on through Dublin and south of the city.

“At peak times, you’re looking at [a train] every three to four minutes.” 

Minister O’Brien added that full planning permission for the project would come through “in the coming weeks” and that once built, MetroLink would “transform” Dublin.

Main image: A split of Michael O'Leary and Darragh O'Brien. Pictures by: Rolling News and Alamy.com.