The Dublin Metro project, aimed at enhancing rapid rail service between Dublin Airport and the city center, has incurred significant costs even before construction begins. Officials from the National Transport Agency (NTA) revealed to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee that a staggering €158m has already been spent on the current Metrolink project by the end of 2023.
Hugh Creegan, the NTA’s head of transport services, disclosed that between €100m and €200m more is anticipated to be expended on surveying, planning, and other preparatory expenses before ground is broken. Additionally, €150m had been previously invested in the shelved Metro North project, a casualty of post-financial crisis budget constraints.
Critics, including PAC chair Brian Stanley, have questioned the substantial upfront expenditure, labeling it as “an incredible sum of money” without immediate tangible returns. However, both the NTA and the Department of Transport defend the costs, asserting that they are necessary for large infrastructure undertakings. Assistant Secretary Garret Doocey emphasized that the losses incurred were due to governmental decisions rather than administrative oversights.
Despite concerns, Creegan stated that the expenses are in line with international infrastructure projects of similar scale. The projected final cost for Metrolink stands at €12.25 billion, with completion not expected before the mid-2020s, significantly surpassing initial estimates. This development underscores the complexities and expenses inherent in major transportation initiatives.