Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has launched the first stage of the procurement process for a major Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract linked to Dublin’s MetroLink project.
The contract, issued on behalf of MetroLink, will cover the design, build, financing, operation and maintenance of key parts of the future metro system under a long-term availability-based agreement.
TII has issued a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) to the market, inviting international bidders to apply for the contract, which is expected to run for around 32 years, including a seven-year construction period and 25 years of operational maintenance.
The PPP package excludes major tunnelling and other large civil engineering works, which are being procured separately. Instead, it focuses on railway systems, rolling stock, stations, operations and maintenance.
The contract scope includes the supply and operation of automated GoA4 metro trains, signalling systems, a depot and maintenance facility, line-wide track and power systems, station fit-outs and urban realm improvements across 16 stations.
The estimated contract value has been set at €7.3 billion excluding VAT, based on February 2026 cost projections and financing assumptions.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien described the launch as “a clear signal” of the Government’s ambition to deliver “world-class, sustainable transport infrastructure”.
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, said MetroLink would play a central role in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy and support housing growth, economic development and lower emissions.
TII Chief Executive Lorcan O’Connor said the procurement process had been designed to attract experienced international partners capable of delivering a project of this scale.
“The contract has been carefully structured to allocate risk appropriately, encourage innovation, and ensure long-term operational excellence,” he said.
The procurement follows earlier progress on the programme, including the tendering of the Programme Delivery Partner contract and the launch of enabling and heavy civil engineering packages earlier this year.
Following the pre-qualification stage, shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit detailed tenders for the contract.
