Record January Monthly Commencement Data Published
 
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published its monthly data on the number of Commencement Notices (residential construction starts) for January 2024.
 
The data shows that Commencement Notices for 3,357 new homes were received by Building Control Authorities in January 2024. This is an increase of 59% on the number of new homes commenced in the same month last year (2,108 units) and the highest number of units commenced in January since records began in 2015. 
The strong uptick in commencements has continued into 2024 with an increase of 6% on December 2023 figure. These figures indicate that supply, which is key to addressing our housing needs continues to increase and that a robust stock of new housing is in the pipeline.
 
Of the 3,357 units commenced, 41% are scheme dwellings, 52% are apartments and 8% are for one-off units.
 
The full commencement data set can be accessed at: Construction Activity Statistics.
 

Dear Minister,
 
We are writing to advise you of significant developments in relation to MetroLink.
 
You may be aware that An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has decided to hold an oral hearing in relation to Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) application for a Railway Order for MetroLink (Case Number ABP-314724-22).
 
ABP has recently (8/1/2024) advised us that it has instructed the Senior Planning Inspector, who will prepare a report and recommendation for the Board, to hold an oral hearing into the application and the submissions and observations which have been received in relation to the application.
 
The oral hearing, which is, of course, open to the public will start on Monday, February 19th
2024, at 10.00am and will take place in the Gresham Hotel, O’ Connell Street, Dublin 1. Details of the proposed agenda have now been shared by ABP. See link to agenda.  
 
See link to Railway Order. All relevant documentation, drawings etc are available online.
 
MetroLink has been described as a “game-changer” for public transport in 21st Century Ireland.
 
In 2023, TII announced the appointment of an internationally experienced Client Partner team which is responsible for supporting TII in overseeing the delivery of MetroLink. This partnership is made up of Turner & Townsend, Canadian group WSP, supported by O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Mace, and PwC.  This wealth of experience, talent and technical resources will make a significant contribution in enabling TII to realise Government’s Policy which is clearly stated in Project Ireland 2040 and included in GDA strategy documents.
 
In anticipation of the approval of a Railway Order, TII, and the Client Partner team have made significant advances in preparation for the procurement of all major contracts that will construct, develop, and operate MetroLink. To prepare for these increased workstreams TII has already advertised for key leadership roles for the MetroLink project. While TII has considerable experience in delivering major transport projects, there is recognition that the scale and complexity of MetroLink will require augmentation of expertise, skillset, and resourcing to successfully deliver a world class automated rail system such as MetroLink. 
 
 

Image: MetroLink Route Alignment Map

 


We appreciate the generous support which we have received from all our public representatives, and we look forward to working with you, particularly in relation to enhancing our relationship with the various communities along the route. Our Stakeholder Co-Ordinators have developed strong local relationships and our initiatives, including the Property Owners Protection Scheme and the engagement of the Independent Expert (RINA) have been very well received by the communities. These initiatives, together with others which will support local community initiatives will continue through the construction phase to the operation phase.  
 

We appreciate that all construction projects can be a challenge for local communities, and we really do appreciate the support and encouragement which we have received to date from our local representatives and from the communities, which of course, will derive significant local benefits from a 21st century state of the art public transport system.
 


 
General Benefits of MetroLink
 

• MetroLink will enhance the commuter experience for millions of passengers each year, operating an automated service and carrying passengers from Swords to the city centre in approximately 25 minutes. 
  
  

• Modern, reliable trains will provide enhanced accessibility for all passengers and can operate every 90 seconds during peak periods to deliver 20,000 passengers, per direction, per hour. 

 

• The MetroLink project will create and sustain an increased number of high-skilled employment opportunities, throughout the project lifecycle. 

 

• MetroLink’s sustainability ethos will support and complement the ambitious plans for the redevelopment of the R132 by creating a corridor that facilitates sustainable mobility, cycling and walking.

• MetroLink is a project with both local and international relevance, servicing not only communities along the route but Ireland as a whole. Once completed, MetroLink will further add to Dublin Airport’s position as Ireland’s primary international gateway. When used in tandem with Iarnród Éireann, DART, Luas and BusConnects services, MetroLink’s synergy will result in enhanced regional and international connectivity and reduced congestion along the motorway network. This will be transformative for thousands of commuters in Dublin, but it will also enrich the tourist offering for the B&B owner in Killarney, the surf lodge team in Donegal and the culture and arts community in Galway!

• During construction MetroLink will provide 8,000 direct jobs annually with a further 2,750 jobs created in indirect supporting industries. When the service is fully operational over 300 permanent jobs will be created in providing metro railway passenger services.

 

• Metrolink will build on the major public transport initiatives like Luas in that it will design and promote a sustainable travel alternative that encourages people out of their cars with a comfortable, efficient, and innovative public transport option.

 

• MetroLink will carry up to 53 million passengers annually. Additionally, MetroLink will induce 146 million cycling trips annually. 

 

• By 2050 MetroLink will have provided 1 billion fully electrified carbon neutral trips and will have diverted up to 360 million car trips.