Global transport and infrastructure leaders join forces to offer Dublin a transformative metro system
FCC, Meridiam, John Laing, RATP Dev and Alstom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formally establishing a consortium to bid for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of Dublin’s MetroLink.
With much of its 18.8km route running underground, MetroLink is an unprecedented transport project for Ireland intended to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and enhance sustainability. The fully automated, driverless metro system will connect major transport hubs and key destinations in the Greater Dublin Area and offer a direct rail connection between Dublin city centre and its airport for the first time.
The consortium brings together leading expertise across infrastructure development, automated metro operation and maintenance, financing and engineering, with partners who have in-depth knowledge of Dublin and its transport system.
The consortium partners will collaborate on preparing and submitting a proposal for MetroLink and are now preparing the pre-qualification and bidding phases. The group’s composition ensures a strong combination of metro leadership, technical capability, project management experience, operational excellence and financial strength, essential for delivering a program of this scale and complexity.
Alstom, a world leader in integrated transport solutions, will contribute its extensive experience in metro systems and railway technology. Meanwhile, FCC, with a proven track record in large-scale infrastructure projects, will lead the civil engineering aspects. RATP Dev, global leader in high-capacity urban rail and complex projects, will provide world-class operational and maintenance expertise. Meridiam, a developer, investor and long-term asset manager of urban rail projects around the world, alongside John Laing, a highly respected infrastructure investor, brings financial acumen and long-term investment capabilities.
Ramón Gómez, Managing Director at FCC Concesiones: “FCC has extensive international experience in the design, construction and financing large-scale international railway infrastructures in Doha, Riyadh, Madrid, Barcelona, Panama, Lisboa, Lima, Malaga and Toronto. FCC has extensive experience in the execution of major civil engineering and industrial projects in Ireland, specifically in Dublin, where the company has developed the M50 motorway, the N6 in Galway, projects such as the University of Grangegorman and hospital projects, the expansion of industrial infrastructure at Dublin Airport, and the extension of the North Runway at the same airport. We are very excited about the consortium and about participating in this key infrastructure project for the country.”
Romain Limouzin, Deputy COO Europe at Meridiam: “Meridiam’s focus is on developing transformative infrastructure projects that improve the quality of people’s lives, support communities and protect the planet. MetroLink is fully aligned with these goals through improving connectivity for Dublin’s residents and visitors alongside replacing millions of car journeys with a sustainable and accessible alternative. Meridiam is looking forward to sharing our global and local expertise in delivering successful urban mobility projects alongside our long-term partnership approach to help bring this project to fruition, as we have done through the major LRT systems we currently manage in Italy, the UK, Canada, and soon in the US.”
Andrew Truscott, Chief Executive Officer at John Laing: “MetroLink is a nationally significant investment in Ireland’s future. Ensuring this vital project is delivered with long-term value for the public, by partners with proven expertise, is key to our consortium. John Laing is proud to join forces with our internationally renowned expert partners, combining financial strength with deep experience in delivering landmark metro and rail infrastructure around the globe.”
Kristin Thorslund, Senior Vice President for Nordics and Ireland at RATP Dev: “RATP Dev is proud to join forces with world-class partners to bring our global expertise in automated metro systems and complex urban rail operations to the MetroLink project in Ireland. With over a century of experience and the proven expertise of RATP Group, we are currently engaged in five major greenfield automated metro projects in Paris, Sydney, Singapore, Riyadh and Doha. Our teams are recognised for successfully delivering complex metro projects such as the seamless launch of Riyadh’s first-ever metro lines and public transport network. We look forward to supporting Dublin’s ambition for a sustainable and future-ready mobility system.”
Piers Wood, Managing Director Ireland at Alstom: “Alstom is proud to partner with FCC, Meridiam, John Laing and RATP Dev to bid for MetroLink, a landmark project for Ireland’s future. Our consortium represents an ideal mix of technical expertise, operational know-how and financial strength, ensuring a world-class metro system that will benefit the Greater Dublin Area for generations to come.”
