WEALTH May 29, 2026 0 Comments

Dublin Airport’s MetroLink Project Just Shifted Into High Gear—Here’s Why Investors Are Watching Closely

Ever wonder what it takes to kickstart a mega infrastructure project right at the heart of Dublin Airport? Well, hold onto your hats, because Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the DAA, and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have just pulled the trigger on the procurement process for the MetroLink works at Dublin Airport. This isn’t your everyday construction gig—think station boxes, tunnel portals, and even canal retaining walls at Glasnevin Station. It’s a complex puzzle with big pieces, meticulously set to transform Dublin’s transport landscape. As they launch into the prequalification stage, assessing financial muscle and technical know-how, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is about more than concrete and steel—it’s a step toward easing congestion, boosting economic growth, and paving the way for sustainable connections across the city. Curious how all these pieces will fit together? LEARN MORE

The procurement process for MetroLink works at Dublin Airport has been launched by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), DAA and the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The contracted works will include the construction of Dublin Airport station box and tunnel portals, and there’s a separate lot that provides for the construction of the canal retaining wall at the new Glasnevin Station, other retaining walls and foundation works.

TII is leading the procurement process as the contracting authority, and DAA will work closely with MetroLink and other stakeholders to support the coordinated delivery of the airport works.

Today marks the beginning of the prequalification stage in the process to deliver the contract, as part of which applications will be assessed on their financial and economic standing, technical capability, and relevant experience.

“The launch of the contract notice for key works at Dublin Airport ensures that the MetroLink programme continues at pace. With the commencement of the procurement process for MetroLink works in the Airport, we are beginning to see real progress being made on the project,” said Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien.

“Earlier this month, the contract notice for the MetroLink design, build, finance, operate and maintain contract was issued, so piece by piece, the programme is coming together.

“MetroLink has the potential to be a transformative project, that will support housing delivery, economic growth and reduced emissions, while addressing long‑standing congestion challenges.”

Anne Shaw, CEO of NTA, said: “This is a further piece of the jigsaw in delivering Metrolink as part of the broader transport ambition for Dublin.

 “Alongside the other programmes for rail and bus infrastructure and services, this will be a major anchor for an integrated public transport system that will connect people sustainably to opportunity, services and provide much need transport capacity for a growing population supporting new housing and tackling the impacts of congestion.”

Lorcan O’Connor, CEO of TII, said the station box will be a foundational structure for MetroLink, enabling subsequent tunnelling and fitout works as the programme progresses.

“The delivery of enabling works at the airport marks a critical step in progression from design to construction.

“Our focus is on ensuring that these complex early-stage works are carefully sequenced, fully integrated with wider transport infrastructure plans, and delivered to the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” Mr O’Connor said.

The contract is going to market as the M120 Framework and will comprise of the design and build of heavy works, site set up and clearance, logistics and managing safety and all construction activities.

There are two separate lots under the framework. Lot 1 consists of contracts with estimate value of €50m or more for complex civil works such as Dublin Airport Station Box, tunnel portals, as well as other contract packages.

Lot 2 relates to works valued at €50m or less, including large elements of civil works such as Dublin Airport Station Box, tunnel portals, as well as other contract packages.

Five applicants for each of the two lots will be shortlisted as part of the prequalification stage before they are invited to negotiate.

MetroLink — Irish Citylink operates routes linking towns and cities across the west of Ireland with Galway city, Dublin city and Dublin Airport. (Pic: Getty Images)

A maximum of three tenderers will be appointed to each lot, with the highest-ranked tenderer on Lot 1 and on Lot 2 awarded the contracts at Dublin Airport and Glasnevin, respectively.

Applicants may apply for one lot only.

A tenderer appointed to any of the lots under the M120 Framework will not be precluded from participating in other MetroLink projects or contract packages. Contracts under each lot will be called off by way of mini competitions.

(Pic: File)