Metrolink, the largest infrastructure project in the history of the State, is set to carry its first passengers between 2036 and 2038, and will cost a maximum of €17.5bn.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority say that, when completed, the giant underground project will see between €1.13 and €1.95 in economic benefits returned to the taxpayer for every €1 invested, with no scenario in which the rail link will cost more than it creates.
Metrolink Interim Programme Director Michael Flynn said the project — should it gain final Government approval next year — will allow for the construction of 77,000 additional homes, while up to 20,000 people will use the driverless service each hour in both directions, with the link to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
