Plans have been approved for a €43 million public swimming pool in Dublin’s Ringsend to replace the Markievicz leisure centre on Townsend Street, which is slated for demolition for the MetroLink rail line. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will fully fund the new complex at Irishtown Stadium as part of a series of large property deals undertaken by the project’s developer.
MetroLink Cost Estimates and Cabinet Review
An upcoming decision is expected from the Government this month on whether TII will be permitted to solicit construction bids for the 19km rail corridor, relying on revised financial projections finalized earlier this year. Based on the documentation provided to the administration, these figures remain unpublished but are anticipated to fall between approximately €14 billion and €17.5 billion. Four years ago, prior to submitting the planning application for the route, the most recent official figures set the midpoint at €9.5 billion within a credible financial spectrum spanning from €7.16 billion to €12.25 billion.
Land Acquisitions and Property Deals Along the Alignment
Prior to the commencement of construction for the railway stretching from Swords in north Co Dublin to Charlemont on the south side, TII anticipates its total expenditure on MetroLink will approach nearly €750 million by the conclusion of this year. This spending includes several large property deals. In July, UK property group Hammerson sold more than 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of land on O’Connell Street to TII as part of an €80.7 million divestment of what the company said were “non-core” assets, though TII would not reveal the total cost of the purchase for the land designated for a MetroLink station planned for underneath the former Carlton cinema on O’Connell Street.
To acquire a set of houses situated on Dartmouth Square in Ranelagh adjacent to the Charlemont MetroLink terminus, TII finalized an agreement last December totaling upwards of €30 million. Additionally, the agency secured a reported €22 million agreement for the purchase of 40 residential units within the College Gate property located directly above the Markievicz pool. Because the full block of 70 apartments is scheduled for demolition as part of the construction of the Tara Street MetroLink station, further apartment acquisitions are expected.
Did you know? Public notices detailing excavation and tunneling contracts worth up to €7.9 billion have been issued by TII, alongside invitations for expressions of interest to manage, supply, and run the metro system in an arrangement valued at a maximum of €7.3 billion.
Irishtown Stadium Redevelopment Timeline
City councillors on Monday night approved the plans for the 25m six-lane swimming pool at Irishtown Stadium in Ringsend, more than 2.5km away from the Townsend Street site. Operating entirely under council ownership, the current Irishtown Sports and Fitness Centre is slated for demolition to facilitate the construction of a modern complex that will incorporate a secondary training pool, a sauna, and steam rooms.
According to project manager Don Daly, building work is projected to kick off during the third quarter of next year, with completion targeted for the third quarter of 2029. Documentation submitted to councillors indicates that the newly constructed leisure facility is scheduled to be fully functional before the existing Markievicz Centre shuts its doors, thereby guaranteeing uninterrupted access for patrons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Markievicz leisure centre being demolished?
The facility on Townsend Street is slated for demolition for the MetroLink rail line.
How much will the replacement pool in Ringsend cost?
The new public swimming pool at Irishtown Stadium will cost €43 million and is fully funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
When is construction on the Ringsend facility expected to finish?
According to project manager Don Daly, construction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2029.
What is the expected cost range for the entire MetroLink project?
Unpublished estimates submitted as part of the MetroLink business case are expected to range from around €14 billion to €17.5 billion.
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