TII acquires O'Connell Site to Support Delivery of MetroLink
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has acquired a significant site spanning approximately 200 metres along O’Connell Street in Dublin’s North Inner City, marking an important step in facilitating the delivery of MetroLink.
The acquisition brings a strategically important site into public ownership, ensuring it can be managed in a coordinated way to support MetroLink construction works and future development planning.
The Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, welcomed the acquisition and encouraged the continued cooperation of the different state bodies.
“We know that MetroLink will encourage housing along the route, as well as helping to address the congestion that so many people experience every day in and around Dublin.
“But this will be the first chance for many to understand how MetroLink will allow us to improve the public realm and really re-imagine what our city looks like.”
Lorcan O’Connor, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland also welcomed today’s acquisition of the Dublin Central site, saying it is a perfect example of how MetroLink is ‘much more than a transport project.’
He thanked Hammerson for working constructively with the State to make this agreement possible, saying the decision marks an investment in Dublin’s future. He also acknowledged the vision and leadership of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce, the OPW, Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council (DCC), in setting out a clear roadmap for revitalising the heart of the capital.
“The acquisition of this important site will allow us to redevelop this important area for the benefit of the Irish people, while also bringing benefits that will make the construction of MetroLink easier,” he said.
“With the area now in state ownership, we can work closely with the Dublin Task Force and other government agencies to enable the development and implementation of a master plan so that our main street can be something that we can all be proud of.”
Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority described the state acquisition of the Dublin Central site as an exciting step forward for the capital.
“The acquisition of this site marks an important turning point for the city of Dublin,” she said. "This demonstrates how transport infrastructure can act as a vital catalyst for wider urban renewal.”
Michael Flynn, MetroLink’s Interim Programme Director said securing the site brings a unique opportunity for MetroLink to work with its partners to unlock a key location, improve connectivity and help deliver a more accessible and sustainable city for all.
“Securing the site is about much more than delivering MetroLink. It is an opportunity to reshape the heart of Dublin and ensure the city centre thrives for generations to come,” he said.
MetroLink will include a station at O’Connell Street, designed to integrate with Luas and bus services and accommodate significant passenger demand. In its opening year, MetroLink is projected to carry approximately 53 million passenger journeys across the network.
During construction, a significant workforce will be required across multiple stages of the project. It is estimated that up to 1,000 workers will be involved in the delivery of the O’Connell Street location alone, including approximately 100 to 200 during advance works, 250 to 450 during main construction, and a further 250 to 350 as part of the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain contract.
Across the wider programme, MetroLink is expected to support approximately 8,000 direct construction jobs annually, with a further 2,750 indirect jobs generated each year through the broader supply chain.
Further information, please contact Eoin Murphy, MetroLink Director of Communications Please see high-res image and site map below.
ENDS
Date published: 08.07.2026
Notes to Editor:
High-Res images available at: https://www.metrolink.ie/en/route/image-gallery
MetroLink will deliver:
- World-class infrastructure for Ireland
- The largest programme of works in the history of the State
- Will transform Dublin and its environs
- Sustainable, joined-up travel networks
- Access to vital landbanks for housing