Ireland’s Ministry of Transport, Tourism and Sport has announced that, for the first time, the 2020 budget for transport project exceeds EUR 1 billion.
The approved funding will support the transport projects which include major infrastructure investments as part of Metrolink, Dart expansion programme, and BusConnects and will continue to improve country’s railway services and a phased transition to a more environmentally friendly fleet.
For Luas network, 8 new longer trams will be acquired, and Irish Rail will receive new cars for intercity services.
Under the Sustainable Mobility and Climate action, the EUR 1 billion budget for transport will be allotted to rail services and infrastructure maintenance improvement as well as to new and extended trams on Luas network in Dublin. EUR 384 million will support the procurement of new trams and railcars, as well as road projects.
EUR 2.7 billion is the total Ministry’s budget, representing a 16.5% increase as compared to 2019 budget.
Metrolink is a 26-km metro system proposed to be completed by 2027. The EUR 3 billion project will connect Estuary north of Swords to Sandyford on the southside, serving Dublin Airport and the City Centre.
Last year, the National Transport Authority announced the preferred route which will have 25 stations, of which 15 will be constructed. It is expected that the main construction contracts will be signed next year and in 2021 works will start. Also in 2018, the consultancy contract was awarded to the Jacobs Engineering Group – Idom consortium which is responsible for the design and development of Dublin metro system.
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