European Investment Bank approval Metro North another step forward - Carey

Dublin North West Minister Pat Carey TD has welcomed the decision by the European Investment Bank Board to approve a loan of up to €500million for Metro North.

Speaking following the announcement Minister Carey said: “The Government is committed to the Metro North project and this announcement today from the European Investment Bank is another step in the process in getting work started. I understand that it is planned to have Metro North completed by 2016 and this decision today is vital to keeping the timeline on track.”

“An Bord Pleanala is in the process of completing its examination on the railway order (planning permission) application and a decision is expected on that in the next two months. The Railway Procurement Agency has short-listed two PPP consortia under the PPP procurement process and will continue work with a view towards financial close in 2011.”

“The Metro North project is a major part of delivering Transport 21 in Dublin and will make an unprecedented difference to communities in Whitehall, Glasnevin, Ballymun and Santry. Developing a new link between these areas, Dublin City University, the airport and city centre will make Metro North an important economic corridor in its own right.”

“I will continue to keep in close contact with my cabinet colleagues to ensure Metro North gets all the required support it needs from Government to ensure it is completed on time.”