Dublin MetroLink: Global Consortium Bids for Irish Rail Infrastructure

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Introduction

A consortium including FCC, Meridiam, John Laing, RATP Dev, and Alstom has been formed to bid on the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of Dublin’s MetroLink, an 18.8km fully automated driverless metro system with 16 stations.

MetroLink Consortium Formation

The consortium, comprising FCC, Meridiam, John Laing, RATP Dev, and Alstom, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to prepare for the pre-qualification and bidding phases of Dublin’s MetroLink project. The MetroLink will be an 18.8km fully automated driverless metro, serving 16 stations and designed to carry up to 20,000 passengers per direction per hour. The system aims to provide the first direct rail link between Dublin city center and the airport.

Consortium Member Roles

The consortium integrates international expertise in civil engineering, metro operation, financing, and railway technology. FCC will lead the civil engineering aspects. Alstom will contribute its knowledge in integrated rail systems. RATP Dev will provide operational and maintenance expertise. Meridiam and John Laing will offer financial strength and long-term investment capabilities.

Company Statements

Ramón Gómez, Managing Director at FCC Concesiones, highlighted the company’s international portfolio and its presence in Ireland, mentioning experience in railway infrastructure projects in Doha, Riyadh, Madrid, Barcelona, Panama, Lisboa, Lima, Malaga, and Toronto, along with civil engineering projects in Dublin, including the M50 motorway, the N6 in Galway, and projects at Dublin Airport. Romain Limouzin, Deputy COO Europe at Meridiam, emphasized MetroLink’s alignment with the group’s goals of improving connectivity and offering a sustainable transport alternative. Andrew Truscott, Chief Executive Officer at John Laing, underlined the strategic importance of MetroLink, emphasizing the consortium’s expertise. Kristin Thorslund, Senior Vice President for Nordics and Ireland at RATP Dev, highlighted the company’s global expertise in automated metro systems. Piers Wood, Managing Director Ireland at Alstom, described the bid as a landmark partnership.

Project Overview

MetroLink is intended to be a significant transport project for Ireland. The new system, with the majority of its route underground, aims to address congestion, reduce emissions, and provide a high-capacity public transport service to the Greater Dublin Area. It is expected to offer faster connections between Dublin Airport and the city center and improve links to existing transport hubs and suburban networks.

Conclusion

A consortium of FCC, Meridiam, John Laing, RATP Dev, and Alstom has been established to bid for the Dublin MetroLink project, an 18.8km automated driverless metro with 16 stations designed to carry up to 20,000 passengers per direction per hour. The project will provide the first direct rail link between Dublin city center and the airport.

Company Summary

FCC: FCC is a company with extensive experience in the design, construction, and financing of large-scale international railway infrastructures and civil engineering projects, including the M50 motorway and projects at Dublin Airport.

Meridiam: Meridiam focuses on developing infrastructure projects aimed at improving quality of life, supporting communities, and protecting the environment. It manages light rail transit (LRT) systems in Italy, the UK, Canada, and soon in the US.

John Laing: John Laing is a company with experience in delivering metro and rail infrastructure projects worldwide, and combines financial strength with expertise in infrastructure development.

RATP Dev: RATP Dev is a company with global expertise in automated metro systems and complex urban rail operations, and has experience with major metro systems in Paris, Riyadh, Sydney, and Doha.

Alstom: Alstom is a company with knowledge in integrated rail systems, with experience in the development of urban transport systems.

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