Judicial review into Dublin's Metrolink project withdrawn

One of two visualisations of the planned Metrolink terminus at Charlemont, Dublin 2. Picture: metrolink.ie

A judicial review of the Metrolink project has been withdrawn in what the Transport Minister called "an early Christmas present".

A group of 19 residents from Dartmouth Square in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, were granted permission by the High Court earlier this month to seek a judicial review of the planning approval for the long-awaited transport project.

However, following mediation the application has been withdrawn.

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "I’m delighted that this mediation process has resulted in an early Christmas present for us all, with the news of the withdrawal of the judicial review proceedings against MetroLink. It means we can enter the New Year with renewed optimism as regards delivery of this transformative project.

"This Government has committed dedicated funding toward the project and we’re committed to establishing a dedicated delivery body to oversee the project’s construction, while next year will see the first steps taken in relation to procurement. Today’s announcement means we now have a clean planning decision which will give everyone the certainty needed about next steps."

The multi-billion euro 18.8km Metrolink rail line, most of which will be underground, is to run from north of Swords, through Dublin Airport, and down to Charlemont in the south of Dublin city centre.

The project is the largest single investment project in the National Development Plan and transport minister Darragh O'Brien has previously said he hoped work could begin from 2027, subject to no legal challenges.

However, supporters of the project have warned that legal proceedings could delay the timeline for it to open to the mid-2030s.

Trains on the line will run every three minutes from Ranelagh to the south of Dublin city centre and serve 16 stops to Swords in north Dublin, taking in the airport on the way.

Public Expenditure Minister ack Chambers also welcomed the withdrawal of the judicial review process saying it was a “significant and hugely positive development which allows for the progression of this critical infrastructure project".

“The Metrolink is a critical project for the development of the Dublin area and will be transformative for commuters, and public transport for our capital," he said.

“This project will also support the delivery of thousands of new homes and the withdrawal of the Judicial Review is good news for families, young people and everyone seeking to secure a home."

Mr Chambers said reform of the judicial review system was "a specific and critical action point in the recently published Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan". 

"I as Minister, and Government as a whole, is committed to prioritising the public interest and supporting the delivery of important capital projects over narrow interests," he said.

"Ensuring the general public, communities and businesses understand the benefits that capital infrastructure brings is essential to reducing the number of judicial reviews taken against important projects."

Mr Chambers added that quality infrastructure was "central to supporting our economic growth and delivering the public services our country needs" and said he looked forward to Metrolink "and many other projects progressing in the months ahead".