The final cost of the MetroLink is highly likely to increase above the most recent estimate, the project’s Programme Director has said. 

Dr Sean Sweeney arrived in Ireland eight months ago, having previously worked on large construction projects in Australia and his native New Zealand. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, he said the “benefits are off the scale” for the project, but declined to put a figure on the final price. 

“The most recent detailed cost estimate was done in 2021,” he said. 

“That gave a range of between €7 something billion and €12 billion - and that’s four-years ago. 

“We’ve had significant construction escalation since then, we’ve had a war, we’ve had COVID. 

“We are recalibrating our costs now, we’ve also now being asked to include VAT - which is basically an extra tax on top. 

“So, the numbers are going to change.” 

The proposed entrance to Tara Street MetroLink. Image by: MetroLink.

Work is due to begin on the project next year, with completion esteemed at some point in the mid-2030s. 

“We’ve now got much more defined designs than we had then, we know a lot more about the route because it had feedback from the board,” Dr Sweeney said. 

“We had to make changes as a result of the planning process, so all of that’s being fed into the recosting. 

“We are recosting the designs we have now and, if there’s no major changes requested by the board, that will be the basis on the cost. 

“We’re also getting an international firm to do an independent reference of our costs [compared to] other metros around the world.” 

An artist's impression of Glasnevin MetroLink station. Image: MetroLink

Dr Sweeney added officials have asked a third firm to look at the cost as well, to give them a “reality check”. 

“So, I don’t think we could do more work at coming up with an accurate set of costs but that work is happening now,” he said.  

“But as I said, there’s been over 20% construction escalation, we’ve now got to include for VAT. 

“The number is going to shift.” 

The MetroLink will connect Swords with Dublin Airport, the city centre and Charlemont. 

Main image: An artist's impression of a proposed MetroLink station entrance at St Stephen's Green in Dublin city. Image: MetroLink