Metrolink is key to delivering 18,000 Jobs Plan for Swords – Reilly

Fine Gael Senator James Reilly has welcomed the announcement of the preferred route for Metrolink and the clarity that the project will now move forward.

Speaking after meeting with the key officials from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) tasked with delivering Metrolink to Dublin and Fingal, Senator Reilly said: “Metrolink will be a game changer for the development of Fingal. I welcome the announcement of the preferred route and the clarity that allows the project to now move forward.

“The new service will be fantastic for commuters, carrying 20,000 passengers per hour and running every 15 minutes providing an excellent connected modern public transport service.

“Metrolink will also be key to delivering up to 18,000 new quality jobs at Airside in Swords which is huge for the community here.

“Four significant Masterplans on 67 Hectare or 165 Acres at key strategic locations in Swords have gone on public display, synchronized with the announcement of the Metrolink public transport project, which will link Dublin City to DCU, Dublin Airport and Swords.

“The Masterplans include 218,000 metres squared of office space which will help to deliver 18,000 Local Jobs. That’s 55 acres of office buildings in a very central location in Swords and is a very attractive proposition for major foreign direct investment companies looking for large scale office space capable of holding 1,000 employees and upwards.

“Crucially this proposed office space is located just ten minutes from Dublin Airport which is booming. 32 million passengers used the Airport in 2018, and that number is projected to rise to 40 million over the next few years, with a €900 million investment plan by Dublin Airport Authority DAA and the new runway arleady under construction.

“3000 homes are also included in the plan, adjacent to the lands for office buildings. This includes 1,100 homes at Fosterstown opposite Airside in a high density quality designed site beside a metro stop.

“Metrolink and the 4 Masterplans are huge positive developments for the future of Swords and the wider Fingal area.”

ENDS

Note to editors

Fingal County Council draft masterplans for Swords currently out for public consultation: https://consult.fingal.ie/en/consultation/draft-masterplans-swords-lands-barrysparks-crowcastle-mp8h-fosterstown-mp8i-and-estuary