2 October 2025

SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has welcomed the announcement that Metrolink, connecting Dublin city centre to the airport, has been given the go-ahead.

The €9.5bn is set to be completed in the early 2030s and will provide a high-capacity rail connection to the island's largest airport.

Mr McNulty says the ball is now in the Executive's court to deliver on their own commitments to rail expansion.

Speaking following the announcement, Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:

"This announcement is fantastic news for people across Ireland. This multi-billion Euro investment shows a strong commitment from the Irish Government to properly invest in our rail infrastructure.

"Tourists visiting Ireland will soon be able to look forward to a world class rail connection right into the heart of Dublin, a crucial recommendation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.

"The progress being made in Dublin is in contrast to the complete failure to deliver on the promise of rail in the north. Whether the absence of any ambition around implementing the all-island rail review or connecting northern airports to adjacent rail lines, the contrast is stark.

"DfI themselves admit it's unlikely that progress on the northern components of the AISRR will meaningfully begin until the late 2030s. By this time Dublin will see Metrolink opened and a greatly expanded DART service, while cities across Ireland will have newer, faster and more frequent services.

"The climate crisis and regional imbalance are vast problems requiring ambitious solutions from the NI Executive. We shouldn't have to settle for any less."