EU has a role to play in funding Dublin’s Metrolink – Doherty

It’s time for Ireland to reapproach the European Investment Bank (EIB) to secure much needed funding for the Dublin Metrolink project, Fine Gael’s candidate for the Dublin European elections has said.

Senator Regina Doherty explained that the European Investment bank is the lending arm of the European Union and is owned by its member states.

Senator Doherty said: “Since its foundation in 1958, the EIB has provided crucial support to the transport networks around Europe allowing the EU to thrive and become more connected.

Senator Regina Doherty said: “Dublin’s Metrolink is another vital European transport network. Dublin is an important EU hub for finance, technology, skills, law, and many other areas. We are also a net contributor to the EU budget.

“In 2011, the project had secured €500 million in EIB funding, but due to cutbacks the project did not proceed at that time. Now that work is finally getting underway, Ireland should approach the EIB again to seek a new commitment to fund this important piece of infrastructure.

“At present, Dublin is one of the very few EU capitals without a rail link to the airport.

“This project has already taken too long to get to this stage, and there is a significant financial commitment involved from the taxpayer. We should not allow funding to become an issue in the future.

“In 2023, the EIB signed a total of €75.14 billion of financing for European projects. Europe has an important role to play,” she said.

Senator Doherty is Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson for transport.

“Throughout my career in politics, I have campaigned to see a proper metro built in Dublin. It will provide enormous benefits to Dublin’s residents and visitors alike and boost Ireland’s economy.

“If elected to the European Parliament, I intend to continue this campaign at an EU level.

“Part of this involves ensuring that all sources of financing, including from the European Investment Bank, are used to support this vital project, for the benefit of Dublin, Ireland, and Europe,” Senator Doherty concluded.