Ryanair CEO Critiques Dublin Metrolink Project as Financial Burden

Michael O'Leary, the Group Chief Executive of Ryanair Holdings, has publicly criticized the proposed Metrolink rail service in Dublin, which is designed to connect the city with Dublin Airport. O'Leary characterizes the project, with an estimated cost of €20 billion, as a 'waste of money' and argues that it is an unnecessary expenditure for taxpayers. This statement was made during an interview on RTÉ's Drivetime on July 23, 2025.

According to O'Leary, the government has allocated €2 billion for the initial tendering process, and he believes that the projected cost of €1 billion per kilometer for the 18-kilometer Metrolink is unjustifiable. He stated, 'Dublin Airport doesn't need it, Dublin Airport passengers won't use it; they're already well served by buses.' O'Leary emphasized that most passengers traveling to Dublin Airport are not heading to the city center but rather to suburban areas, which he claims are adequately serviced by existing bus routes.

O'Leary further drew comparisons with London's Tube, which he noted only accounts for 16% of passenger traffic to Heathrow Airport, despite serving a much larger metropolitan area. He described the Dublin Metrolink as a 'massively expensive' project that would primarily serve a 'narrow corridor from Swords through the airport into Glasnevin.' He added, 'We are wasting billions of taxpayers' money on an airport train that nobody is going to use and that we don't need.'

The Ryanair CEO's remarks also included skepticism about the government's financial management and project planning. He accused them of breaching an election promise regarding passenger caps at Dublin Airport and suggested that the final cost of the Metrolink could 'easily exceed €20 billion.' O'Leary criticized Sean Sweeney, the project director, suggesting that he lacks the necessary expertise to manage such a significant infrastructure project effectively.

In defending his position, O'Leary proposed that a fraction of the Metrolink's estimated budget—specifically €100 million—could fund the purchase of 400 buses, which would provide similar transportation services without the extensive financial burden. He reiterated his belief that Ireland cannot afford such an extravagant project, especially when alternative solutions exist.

This critique of the Metrolink project adds to a growing debate about public transportation investments in Dublin, as stakeholders continue to assess the city's infrastructure needs against its financial capabilities. As the government moves forward with plans for the Metrolink, the implications of O'Leary's statements could influence public opinion and policy decisions surrounding this ambitious project.