Published on 29th May 2026
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), on behalf of MetroLink, together with daa and the National Transport Authority (NTA), has launched the procurement to deliver a major package of works at Dublin Airport. This contract goes to market as the M120 Framework.
The works procured under the framework will include the construction of the Dublin Airport station box, tunnel portals, as well as other contract packages. A separate lot provides for the construction of the canal retaining wall at the new Glasnevin Station, other retaining walls, foundation works and other contract packages. The procurement process is being led and managed by TII as the contracting authority, with daa working closely with MetroLink and key stakeholders to support the coordinated delivery of these works within the live airport environment. These works represent a significant milestone in the delivery of MetroLink and will support the transformation of connectivity between Dublin Airport, the city centre and the wider national transport network.
Today saw the launch of the prequalification stage in the process to deliver this contract, with a photocall at Dublin Airport. Transport Minister, Darragh O’Brien was in attendance, together with CEO of the NTA, Anne Shaw; CEO of TII, Lorcan O'Connor; CEO of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly; and Chief Commercial and Development Officer at daa, Vincent Harrison, at the proposed site for the MetroLink station at Dublin Airport.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed today’s announcement saying: “I am pleased to see the close level of coordination between our transport agencies and state agencies to ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to airport operations.
“The launch of the contract notice for key works at Dublin Airport ensures that the MetroLink programme continues at pace. With the commencement of the procurement process for MetroLink works in the Airport, we are beginning to see real progress being made on the project. Earlier this month, the contract notice for the MetroLink design, build, finance, operate and maintain contract was issued, so piece by piece, the programme is coming together.
MetroLink has the potential to be a transformative project, that will support housing delivery, economic growth and reduced emissions, while addressing long‑standing congestion challenges,” the Minister said.
NTA Chief Executive Office Anne Shaw said: “This is a further piece of the jigsaw in delivering Metrolink as part of the broader transport ambition for Dublin. “Alongside the other programmes for rail and bus infrastructure and services, this will be a major anchor for an integrated public transport system that will connect people sustainably to opportunity, services and provide much need transport capacity for a growing population supporting new housing and tackling the impacts of congestion,” said Ms Shaw.
Meanwhile CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Lorcan O’Connor said the station box will be a foundational structure for MetroLink, enabling subsequent tunnelling and fitout works as the programme progresses. “The delivery of enabling works at the airport marks a critical step in progression from design to construction.
“Our focus is on ensuring that these complex early-stage works are carefully sequenced, fully integrated with wider transport infrastructure plans, and delivered to the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” Mr O’Connor said.
Vincent Harrison, Chief Commercial and Development Officer at daa, emphasised the organisation’s role in supporting the delivery of this critical infrastructure within a live operational airport environment:
“daa has been working in close partnership with MetroLink, TII and the NTA to enable the delivery of this transformative project at Dublin Airport. We have safeguarded the MetroLink station site for many years, recognising its strategic importance.”
“Through continued collaboration, daa will play a central role in facilitating the delivery of these works within a live operational airport, while advancing the development of a fully integrated, multi‑modal transport centre at Dublin Airport, significantly enhancing sustainable public transport options for passengers in the future,” said Mr Harrison.
AnnMarie Farrelly CEO of Fingal County Council welcomed this step, saying Fingal Co Co has been planning for MetroLink for many years, given that it will facilitate the sustainable growth of Swords.
“MetroLink will transform North Dublin both economically and as a place to live. It is a game changer that will deliver rail access to Dublin Airport, with a direct 25-minute rail link between Swords and Dublin City. We look forward to the start of works on this vital piece of strategic infrastructure,” she said.
The scope of works for the M120 Framework is expected to comprise a combination of the following:
Design and build of heavy civils works
Site set up and site clearance
Logistics
Managing safety and all construction activities
Procurement of the M120 Framework will be conducted under the European Union (Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) Regulations 2016 and managed by TII, acting as the contracting authority, who will be the sole point of contact for applicants.
The Framework will consist of two separate value-based lots:
Lot 1 will include call-off contracts with estimated value of circa €50 million or more (excluding VAT) or complex works which may require specific technical or specialist resources. It will consist of large elements of civils works such as Dublin Airport Station Box, tunnel portals, as well as other contract packages.
Lot 2 will consist of call-off contracts with estimated value of less than circa €50 million (excluding VAT). It will consist of smaller heavy civils elements such as Glasnevin Station retaining wall, other retaining walls, foundation works, as well as other contract packages.
Both lots will be procured using the negotiated procedures under the Utilities Regulations, with two stages:
Stage One: Prequalification Stage - assessing applicants based on defined selection criteria for each lot, such as their financial and economic standing, technical capability, and relevant experience. Five applicants for each of the two lots will be shortlisted
Stage Two will be the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage
A maximum of three tenderers will be appointed to each lot, with the highest ranked tenderer on lot 1 and on lot 2 awarded the contracts at Dublin Airport and Glasnevin respectively. Applicants may apply for one lot only. A tenderer appointed to any of the lots under the M120 Framework will not be precluded from participating in other MetroLink projects or contract packages. Contracts under each lot will be called off by way of mini competitions. The M120 Framework is being established primarily for the delivery of heavy civil engineering works forming part of the MetroLink programme. However, the Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail may use the M120 Framework to procure call-off contracts for heavy civil engineering works at or adjacent to Glasnevin station provided that the works in question fall within one or more of the categories of work set out in the scope of works for the M120 Framework.
For more information on the MetroLink project and scope of the Framework, please visit www.metrolink.ie
MetroLink is Ireland's first fully automated, high-capacity metro system, designed to transform public transport in the city. Spanning approximately 19km, it will connect Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport and the city centre. This innovative and vital programme is a cornerstone of Ireland’s climate and mobility goals, supporting economic growth as well as urban connectivity and renewal. It will offer new business opportunities for a wide range of organisations, from large international firms to locally based Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). MetroLink will also support several thousand direct construction jobs for each year of construction activity up to its opening, as well as a further 2,500 to 3,000 indirect supply chain and support related jobs each year.
For further information on this press release, please contact Niall McHugh, MetroLink Strategic Communications Lead at 086 8322413 or niall.mchugh@tii.ie
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
MetroLink will deliver:
• World-class infrastructure for Ireland
• The largest programme of works in the history of the State
• Will transform Dublin and its environs
• Sustainable, joined-up travel networks
• Access to vital landbanks for housing