A consortium of international transport and infrastructure leaders has been established to bid for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of Dublin’s MetroLink, a transformative new metro system for Ireland’s capital.
The consortium, comprising FCC, Meridiam, John Laing, RATP Dev and Alstom, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will now prepare for the pre-qualification and bidding phases. MetroLink, an 18.8km fully automated driverless metro, will serve 16 stations and carry up to 20,000 passengers per direction per hour. The system will provide the first direct rail link between Dublin city centre and the airport, and is expected to become a cornerstone of the Greater Dublin Area’s integrated transport network.
Global expertise for a landmark project
The consortium brings together extensive international expertise across civil engineering, metro operation, financing, and railway technology. FCC will lead the civil engineering aspects, building on its track record of large-scale projects worldwide and in Ireland. Alstom will contribute its knowledge in integrated rail systems, while RATP Dev will provide operational and maintenance expertise based on experience with major metro systems in Paris, Riyadh, Sydney and Doha. Meridiam and John Laing add financial strength and long-term investment capabilities, with a portfolio of major rail and infrastructure projects globally.
Partners’ perspectives
Ramón Gómez, Managing Director at FCC Concesiones, highlighted the company’s extensive international portfolio and long-standing presence in Ireland:
“FCC has extensive international experience in the design, construction and financing large-scale international railway infrastructures in Doha, Riyadh, Madrid, Barcelona, Panama, Lisboa, Lima, Malaga and Toronto. FCC has extensive experience in the execution of major civil engineering and industrial projects in Ireland, specifically in Dublin, where the company has developed the M50 motorway, the N6 in Galway, projects such as the University of Grangegorman and hospital projects, the expansion of industrial infrastructure at Dublin Airport, and the extension of the North Runway at the same airport. We are very excited about the consortium and about participating in this key infrastructure project for the country.”
Romain Limouzin, Deputy COO Europe at Meridiam, emphasised the alignment with the group’s values:
“Meridiam’s focus is on developing transformative infrastructure projects that improve the quality of people’s lives, support communities and protect the planet. MetroLink is fully aligned with these goals through improving connectivity for Dublin’s residents and visitors alongside replacing millions of car journeys with a sustainable and accessible alternative. Meridiam is looking forward to sharing our global and local expertise in delivering successful urban mobility projects alongside our long-term partnership approach to help bring this project to fruition, as we have done through the major LRT systems we currently manage in Italy, the UK, Canada, and soon in the US.”
Andrew Truscott, Chief Executive Officer at John Laing, underlined the strategic importance of the scheme:
“MetroLink is a nationally significant investment in Ireland’s future. Ensuring this vital project is delivered with long-term value for the public, by partners with proven expertise, is key to our consortium. John Laing is proud to join forces with our internationally renowned expert partners, combining financial strength with deep experience in delivering landmark metro and rail infrastructure around the globe.”
Kristin Thorslund, Senior Vice President for Nordics and Ireland at RATP Dev, stressed the company’s operational credentials:
“RATP Dev is proud to join forces with world-class partners to bring our global expertise in automated metro systems and complex urban rail operations to the MetroLink project in Ireland. With over a century of experience and the proven expertise of RATP Group, we are currently engaged in five major greenfield automated metro projects in Paris, Sydney, Singapore, Riyadh and Doha. Our teams are recognised for successfully delivering complex metro projects such as the seamless launch of Riyadh’s first-ever metro lines and public transport network. We look forward to supporting Dublin’s ambition for a sustainable and future-ready mobility system.”
Piers Wood, Managing Director Ireland at Alstom, described the bid as a landmark partnership:
“Alstom is proud to partner with FCC, Meridiam, John Laing and RATP Dev to bid for MetroLink, a landmark project for Ireland’s future. Our consortium represents an ideal mix of technical expertise, operational know-how and financial strength, ensuring a world-class metro system that will benefit the Greater Dublin Area for generations to come.”
MetroLink: A first for Ireland
MetroLink is set to be the most ambitious transport project ever undertaken in Ireland. With the majority of the route running underground, the new system will help tackle congestion, reduce emissions, and deliver a high-capacity public transport service to the rapidly growing Greater Dublin Area. Once complete, it will offer faster connections between Dublin Airport and the city centre, as well as improved links to existing transport hubs and suburban networks.
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