Transport Infrastructure Ireland launches €7.9b MetroLink tunnelling procurement

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has issued contract notices for MetroLink's major civils packages, marking a significant step towards delivering Ireland's first fully-automated, high-capacity metro system. The two contracts, valued at €7.9 billion combined, will cover tunnelling works, underground stations and surface infrastructure across an 18.8-kilometre route linking Swords to Charlemont.

According to Tunnels & Tunnelling, Package M401 Southern Section spans Charlemont to Northwood and is valued at €4.565 billion. The scope includes bored tunnels, tunnel portals, evacuation and intervention shafts, and excavation for nine underground stations up to 35 metres deep, including Charlemont, St Stephen's Green, Tara Station, O'Connell, Mater, Glasnevin, Griffith Park, Collins Avenue, Ballymun and Northwood.

Package M402 Northern Section, covering Northwood to Estuary, is valued at €3.347 billion. This contract includes bored tunnels, five stations (Dardistown, Fosterstown, Swords Central, Seatown and Estuary), the M50 viaduct, surface route sections, the Broadmeadow River Viaduct, and site preparation for Estuary Station's park-and-ride facility and Dardistown Depot.

Both contracts incorporate a structured framework to meet carbon targets, encouraging innovation in low-carbon construction methods, materials and logistics. The prequalification stage will run concurrently, whilst tender stages will be staggered, with M401 commencing first. Bidders may apply for one or both packages but can only secure one contract. TII will shortlist a maximum of four candidates.

TII Chief Executive Lorcan O'Connor said issuing the prequalification questionnaires was an important milestone in the MetroLink journey.

MetroLink will link Dublin Airport with Irish Rail, DART, Dublin Bus and Luas services, creating an integrated public transport network serving major destinations including Ballymun, Mater Hospital, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin. Much of the route will run underground.

View the full details for Ireland's transformative metro infrastructure project in the complete article.