AECOM and Jacobs Joint Venture Appointed MetroLink Program Delivery Partner
An AECOM and Jacobs joint venture has been appointed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as Program Delivery Partner for MetroLink in Dublin.
The project will create a high-capacity rail connection between North County Dublin, Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre. As a result, MetroLink is expected to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth across the Greater Dublin Area.
Ireland’s First Metro Railway
MetroLink is expected to become Ireland’s first fully segregated metro railway. The system will form an important part of the country’s future transport network.
The predominantly underground system will feature 16 new stations. These will connect Swords in North County Dublin with Dublin Airport and the city centre.
In addition, MetroLink will integrate with Irish Rail, DART commuter rail, Luas light rail and BusConnects services. This integration aims to create a more connected and sustainable transport network.
Supporting Program Delivery
As Program Delivery Partner, the AECOM and Jacobs joint venture will support the procurement and delivery of the metro system.
The team will provide integrated program management, governance and risk management. Furthermore, it will help TII coordinate multiple contracts, manage interfaces and improve transparency throughout the program lifecycle.
The delivery model is designed to strengthen governance and improve certainty. It will also help manage risks and support efficient delivery of the nationally significant infrastructure investment.
AECOM Chief Executive in Europe and India Richard Whitehead said MetroLink will support Ireland’s growth and transform connectivity across Dublin and the wider region.
Jacobs Executive Vice President and General Manager Europe Richard Sanderson said the project represents a major opportunity to transform mobility in Dublin. He added that Jacobs will bring experience from complex transportation programs to help manage interfaces, risks and multiple stakeholders.
Global Metro Experience
AECOM and Jacobs bring experience from major rail and metro programs around the world. Their combined portfolio includes London’s Elizabeth line, Metrolinx in Toronto and the Austin Transit Partnership.
The companies have also supported California High-Speed Rail, the Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel replacement program in the United States and Cross River Rail in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, both companies have established operations and infrastructure experience across Ireland. AECOM is involved in projects including the Dublin Airport Capital Investment Plan, BusConnects Cork, the Adare Bypass and Ceannt Station in Galway.
Jacobs supports major programs including BusConnects Dublin and Cork. Its Irish portfolio also includes the proposed Luas Cork light rail scheme, the Galway to Portarlington rail network upgrade and Irish Rail coastal protection projects.
Supporting Dublin’s Future Growth
MetroLink will connect major residential, employment and transport hubs across the Dublin region. Therefore, the project is expected to support population growth, economic development and decarbonisation goals.
As the program progresses, AECOM and Jacobs will work alongside TII and its partners to coordinate delivery. The joint venture will combine global program management experience with local infrastructure knowledge to support the development of Dublin’s future metro network.
