The Irish Government has welcomed the withdrawal of a judicial review challenge to the MetroLink project after a period of constructive mediation with residents, eliminating the need for a full High Court hearing and providing greater certainty for the planned transport scheme. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien described the outcome as an “early Christmas present,” saying it allows the project to move forward with optimism and a “clean” planning decision, as work shifts toward procurement and delivery. Leaders from the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland also welcomed the development, noting that resolving the review supports progress on MetroLink—a transformative, fully automated metro line designed to connect Swords, Dublin Airport and the city centre—and reinforces confidence in its role in Dublin’s future transport network. 

MetroLink is a fully automated, mostly underground metro system, approximately 19 km in length, connecting Swords to Dublin city centre and linking directly with Dublin Airport, DART, heavy rail, Luas, and bus services. It is designed to provide a fast, high-capacity, high-frequency public transport route, supporting Ireland’s climate objectives and enabling sustainable urban development.