TII launch procurement phase for MetroLink project
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has launched a key procurement phase for the long-awaited MetroLink project, formally inviting bidders to compete for a major Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract that will underpin the operation of Dublin’s future metro system.
The tender process marks a significant step forward for MetroLink, one of the State’s largest-ever public transport investments, as it moves from planning into delivery.
The contract, being issued on behalf of the MetroLink programme, covers an availability-based Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain (DBFOM) model and will be awarded to a single consortium.
The successful bidder will take responsibility for delivering railway systems and operating and maintaining the metro service—referred to as M500 Services—for a period of 25 years.
However, major civil engineering works, including tunnelling and other enabling infrastructure, are excluded from this PPP and are being procured separately.
As part of the process, TII has issued a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), the first stage in assessing potential bidders.
This phase will evaluate applicants’ experience, capability and financial capacity, with the top three candidates expected to progress to the next stage of the competition.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said the move signals the Government’s commitment to delivering “world-class, sustainable transport infrastructure” and ensuring long-term value for the public.
National Transport Authority CEO Anne Shaw described MetroLink as a transformative project central to the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy and the National Development Plan.
She said it would strengthen connectivity, support housing and economic growth, and help reduce emissions while tackling congestion.
TII CEO Lorcan O’Connor said the procurement has been designed to attract experienced international partners capable of delivering a project of this scale, while ensuring risk is appropriately allocated and innovation encouraged.
The PPP contract includes the design, construction and financing of metro rolling stock and systems, including a fully automated Grade of Operation 4 (GoA4) railway. It also covers the development of a depot, maintenance facilities, park-and-ride infrastructure, and a metro control centre.
In addition, the contract spans trackwork, power and communications systems, and the fit-out of 16 stations, both above and below ground.
The winning consortium will also be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of all MetroLink assets.
The estimated contract value is €7.3bn (excluding VAT) in net present value terms, based on current assumptions around construction, financing and lifecycle costs.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said the move signals the Government’s commitment to delivering “world-class, sustainable transport infrastructure”. (Pic: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie)
The overall contract duration is expected to be approximately 32 years, including a seven-year construction phase followed by 25 years of operations.
The contract notice has been published on the eTenders and OJEU platforms, with the procurement process set to proceed under EU rules governing public service contracts.
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