Dublin Chamber today slammed the latest attempts to derail MetroLink through judicial review submissions that threaten the economic well-being of the entire Dublin region. After more than 20 years of studies, consultations, redesigns and an extensive five-week Oral Hearing process, Dublin Chamber says the time for patience has long expired and that the Government must now step in decisively.
“Dublin is being held hostage by an outdated planning system that allows critical national infrastructure to be endlessly stalled by a tiny minority,” said Eoghan Quigley, President of Dublin Chamber. “These judicial reviews are not about improving the project; they are about stopping it indefinitely. Dublin simply cannot tolerate this any longer.”
Dublin Chamber is calling on Government to introduce emergency, fast-track legislation to ensure that MetroLink proceeds without further delay. “The State has stepped in before to unlock vital infrastructure, and it must do so again,” Quigley said. “When national progress is being blocked, Government has a responsibility to act. MetroLink is a once-in-a-generation project, and allowing it to be held up by serial objections and procedural games is unacceptable.”
Dublin Chamber warned that continued obstruction is already damaging confidence in Ireland’s ability to deliver major infrastructure, pushing investment away and weakening Dublin’s international competitiveness. Workers and businesses are being locked into deepening congestion, while costs rise and essential climate targets drift further out of reach. “These reviews are not harmless paperwork,” said Quigley. “They are costing Dublin time, money and opportunity we do not have. Every month of delay pushes Dublin further behind competing cities that are building, not stalling.”
Dublin Chamber has issued a clear message to all political parties, urging them to show backbone and put the national interest first. “This is the moment for Government to draw a line in the sand. Dublin needs MetroLink, not in theory and not someday, but now. The city cannot be paralysed by never-ending legal obstacles. We need emergency legislation to ensure that projects of national importance are not unduly delayed, and we need it immediately.”
About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1000 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.
For further information please contact:
Mia Finnegan | Public Affairs Executive | Dublin Chamber | mia@dublinchamber.ie