Population predicted to double along Metro route

Population and employment will double along the Metro North route over the next two decades, it was claimed today.

Planners predict the number of people living between Santry and north of Swords will grow to 128,000 over the next 20 years – while a further 37,000 new jobs will be created.

A bid will also be made to locate a third-level university campus and a private hospital within the corridor.

Fingal County Council manager David O’Connor said the Metro will bring with it an unprecedented opportunity for Fingal and the Dublin region as a whole.

He said the region will also benefit from the Dublin Airport extension and new port at Balbriggan, as well as new and upgraded road and rail works funded by Transport 21.

Fingal had one of fastest national population growth rates in the 2006 census - with a 22% increase in four years.

The average age in the region is 32.2 years old, with 16% of the population under the age of nine, making it the county with the largest proportion of children in the state.

Mr O’Connor said the unique age profile of the population further compounds the need for new and substantial employment opportunities.

“Huge challenges lie ahead for Fingal, not least among them capitalising on the arrival of Metro North and creating sufficient job opportunities for our expanding and more affluent population,” he said.

“We have the lowest age profile of any county in Ireland and facing greater challenges focuses our efforts to plan for a sustainable and economically secure future.”

The Economic Development Strategy for the Metro North Economic Corridor (MNEC) was launched by Fingal County Council and Indecon Economic Consultants.

It was commissioned by council chiefs to prioritise the potential levels of economic benefit and commercial activity, identifying and specifying competencies, labour skills and services required to sustain the growing communities and businesses located within and adjacent to the MNEC.