IRELAND: Details of the Metrolink project to build a high-capacity driverless metro line in Dublin are to be presented to potential contractors by Transport Infrastructure Ireland during a series of industry days to be held across Europe during September.
Attendees at the key event in Dublin on September 4 are expected to include the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport.
The planned 18·8 km mostly underground line would run from Swords in the north to Charlemont in the south via the airport and city centre, with 16 stations. A peak service of a train every 3 min is envisaged, rising to a train every every 90 sec by 2060 if required. The line would be capable of carrying up to 20 000 passengers/direction/h, compared to 9 000 passengers/direction/h on the Luas tramway’s Green Line. Ridership is estimated at up to 53 million passengers/year.
Construction of what TII describes as a ‘landmark and transformative’ project is to be undertaken through two civil works contracts covering the northern and southern sections of the route, and a design-build-finance-operate-maintain contract covering the rolling stock, stations, railway systems, operations and maintenance.
The September briefings will offer a final opportunity for global market participants to provide direct input before the formal commencement of procurement activities. Subject to final market feedback, MetroLink plans to issue contract notices in late November.
‘We are committed to working collaboratively with the industry to ensure that we harness the best expertise, innovation and value from the market. Engaging early with potential suppliers allows us to shape a procurement approach that is both ambitious and deliverable’, said MetroLink Programme Director Sean Sweeney on July 6.
Dublin MetroLink project market engagement events
- September 4 Dublin;
- September 8–10 London;
- September 10-12 Paris;
- September 15–17 Milano;
- September 18–19 Berlin;
- September 22–23 Wien;
- September 24–26 Madrid.
