New metro link between Dublin and airport ‘in operation by 22026/2027’

“We have been highly supportive of the plans for a rail link from Dublin Airport to the city centre for many years and we’re pleased that the government has approved the new Metro North option”, says daa’s chief executive, Kevin Toland.

The final bottleneck on the road connecting the three biggest cities in the country will be eradicated in the Government’s new capital investment plan, with an upgrade of the N7 Naas dual carriageway.

A review of the plan will occur in 2017 and, based on the performance of the economy, a decision may be taken to increase capital spending if it remains inside the limits set by European Union fiscal rules.

A further announcement will be made by Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe, who will unveil details of his multibillion spending envelope, including the preferred rapid transport project. “It is expected that construction of the project would commence in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/27”, he said.

The Tanaiste hailed the major transport link to North Dublin and said it will be a great addition to the new cross-city Luas link which will be open in 2017.

The next single largest project in the plan is the children’s hospital.

Commenting on and the proposal of €3.5 billion allocated to education, Clive Byrne, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals said that the investment “is warmly welcome and long overdue”.

For Health Minister Leo Varadkar’s department, new primary care centres would be set up with the money, while State-run nursing homes will be refurbished.

The social housing plan will be extended by a year with an additional €500-€600 million provided. The strategy aims increase the supply of social housing by up to 35,000 units.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has secured more than €200m for a new garda IT system, as well as funding for station refurbishments.