Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has formally appointed a joint venture partnership led by Aecom and Jacobs as the programme delivery partner for the eagerly anticipated MetroLink project. The infrastructure initiative, valued at £8.4bn (€9.5bn), represents a significant undertaking designed to establish Ireland’s first fully segregated metro railway system.
The MetroLink project will create a direct transportation link between Swords, Dublin Airport and the city centre, fundamentally enhancing regional connectivity. The predominantly underground route will feature 16 new stations and seamlessly integrate with existing transport modes including Irish Rail, Dart, the Luas and BusConnects services. This multi-modal approach aims to substantially improve accessibility across the Greater Dublin Area.
Scope of the Programme Delivery Partnership
Under this appointment, the Aecom-Jacobs team assumes comprehensive responsibility for supporting procurement activities and overseeing the full delivery lifecycle of the MetroLink project. Their mandate includes delivering integrated programme management, establishing robust governance frameworks and implementing thorough risk oversight mechanisms. The joint venture will receive support from affiliated organisations Ramboll and Nicholas O’Dwyer, strengthening the delivery capability.
The appointed partners will manage multiple contractor interfaces while maintaining enhanced governance arrangements and transparent reporting protocols throughout the project lifecycle. This structured approach aims to systematically reduce delivery risk and establish greater certainty regarding project scheduling and cost management.
International Experience and Local Expertise
Both firms bring substantial credentials from metro railway infrastructure projects worldwide. Their portfolios include involvement with London’s Elizabeth line, Toronto’s Metrolinx network, Brisbane’s Cross River Rail and numerous major rail and tunnel programmes across the United States. This extensive global experience complements their growing presence within Ireland’s infrastructure sector.
Aecom currently contributes to the Dublin Airport Capital Investment Plan and various Irish road and rail initiatives. Jacobs simultaneously supports BusConnects development schemes and rail upgrade projects throughout Ireland, demonstrating established local familiarity with the country’s transportation requirements and regulatory environment.
Programme Advancement and Next Steps
Aecom chief executive in Europe and India Richard Whitehead said, “MetroLink will play a significant role in supporting Ireland’s growth, transforming connectivity, driving economic development and expanding access to opportunities for communities across Dublin and the wider region.
“With our deep program management expertise, extensive global metro experience and strong local presence, we will work alongside Transport Infrastructure Ireland and its partners as one integrated team, bringing together the capabilities and insight needed to navigate complexity, align delivery across the program and help realize MetroLink’s ambitions for Dublin and the wider region,” he added.
Jacobs executive vice president and general manager for Europe Richard Sanderson said, “MetroLink represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how people move throughout Dublin and support the region’s future growth.”
“We will bring that experience to MetroLink, working alongside Transport Infrastructure Ireland to manage complexity and risk, coordinate interfaces across the programme and create lasting benefits for passengers, communities and the Irish economy,” he added.
