The first trains on Dublin's long-delayed underground train line are set to run by 2034.
The MetroLink is estimated to cost €9.5 billion but could balloon up to €12.25. There has already been €250 million spent on the project. The massive infrastructure project was first mooted 22 years ago when it was expected to cost £4.3 billion.
Chair of Dublin City Council's Transport Committee urged the Government to follow through on the new deadline. Councillor Noeleen Reilly said Dubliners are "blue in the face" listening to commitments over the last few decades from different Governments.
Read more: Controversial MetroLink works under investigation by Dublin City Council
Yesterday, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan received approval from Cabinet for the preliminary business case for the project. The Government also agreed approval for the National Transport Authority to apply for planning permission for the project with An Bord Pleanala.
The rail line will run from Swords to Charlemont near Ranelagh with a stop at Dublin Airport. Dublin Live previously reported controversy around the proposed terminus station in the south.
It will take 20 minutes to go from the city centre to Dublin Airport and take another five minutes to go to Swords. The newly appointed Chair of DCC's Transport Committee, Noeleen Reilly said she welcomed the announcement of the project but urged that the deadlines must be met.
She said: "I do welcome today’s announcement, but it must be the last time we promise this to people. It must be delivered. There must also be an accurate period when it will be delivered as the construction across the Northside will be quite extensive.
"The failure of previous governments to deliver this has meant the cost is going to cost the tax payer nearly three times what it was budgeted for in 2005 and that shouldn’t be forgotten about either. Citizens are blue in the face listening to commitments over the last number of decades regarding the Metro North."
She added: "Successive governments have all promised the Metro North and none of those promises have been delivered on. Particularly if you look at the Ballymun Community. The Metro North was supposed to be one of lynchpin of the Ballymun Regeneration."
Read next:
€12.5 million Charlemont MetroLink works started without due process, says Councillor
South Dublin residents call for MetroLink terminus to be relocated to Cathal Brugha Barracks
Dublin Metrolink: Second entrance added to plans at Charlemont stop
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