Metro Dublin’s ‘Mighty Economic Corridors’: Building Communities and Solving Ireland’s Housing Crisis

Fri 11 Oct 2024 - Nathan Broderick - CMO at Metro Dublin

Metro Dublin Project 2032 addresses Ireland’s housing crisis by creating transit-centered communities along our Spine and Ashbourne Lines, known as "Mighty Economic Corridors." Inspired by successful examples from cities like Hong Kong, London, and Madrid, this approach could enable the construction of up to 80,000 homes annually by integrating large-scale, mixed-use developments around metro stations. ​This is only possible with the necessary Government and Public support.

Identified Mighty Economic Corridors

Ireland is facing a housing shortage of unprecedented proportions, with the latest figures showing that 62,000 new homes need to be built annually for the next decade just to meet existing demand. Yet, current construction rates are only hitting half of that number, meaning it could take 20 years at this pace to catch up. Addressing this urgent need for housing requires bold, innovative solutions, and Metro Dublin Project  2032 is a game-changer by positioning transport infrastructure as a catalyst for residential and commercial growth. Not just a metro project, Metro Dublin is being developed with a vision of transit-centered communities and aims to deliver housing growth along designated ‘Mighty Economic Corridors.’

The Metro Dublin plan includes two key routes: The Spine Line and the Ashbourne Line, both identified as prime zones for large-scale, mixed-use developments. These corridors are positioned to act as the backbone for new communities, with the metro system serving as the heart of these areas, driving both residential and commercial growth. Metro Dublin has the capacity to support the construction of up to 80,000 homes annually along these routes—significantly more than the target of 62,000 homes needed to resolve Ireland’s housing crisis. By enabling housing growth centered around the metro, Dublin could create vibrant, self-sufficient communities that are fully integrated with the city’s public transport network.

Large Scale Mixed Use Development as part of Rail Station in Hong Kong

This development model draws inspiration from the successes of other cities around the world that have harnessed transit infrastructure to stimulate housing and economic growth. Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR), for instance, exemplifies how metro development can transform urban spaces and create thriving, transit-oriented communities. The MTR system is well-known for its “rail + property” development model, which has led to significant urban expansion. By centering new housing developments around metro stations, the MTR turned previously underdeveloped areas into bustling, high-density neighborhoods with direct access to the city’s core. This approach increased land values around metro stations and provided a steady stream of revenue that the MTR reinvested into expanding the rail network.

Similarly, Metro Dublin’s strategy along The Spine and Ashbourne Lines could replicate Hong Kong’s success by creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth where increased land values near metro stations stimulate further development. The focus on transit-oriented development also addresses sustainability, reducing the city’s reliance on cars and fostering communities where people live, work, and play in close proximity to public transport.

Another case study in successful transit-oriented development can be found in Twickenham, London. Known for its suburban charm, Twickenham underwent a transformation thanks to significant upgrades to its rail infrastructure. The local rail station was modernized and became a focal point for new developments, including mixed-use residential projects that attracted thousands of new residents. By improving accessibility and reducing commute times to central London, Twickenham evolved into a vibrant, well-connected community that balances residential life with retail and entertainment options. This transit-oriented transformation demonstrates how suburban areas can be reinvigorated and made more attractive to both developers and residents when centered around accessible transport hubs.

Twickenham, London - mixed used development station

Madrid also offers a compelling example of how metro and rail development can drive housing growth. The Madrid Metro expansion, one of the largest and most ambitious in Europe, facilitated the construction of entire neighborhoods on the city’s periphery, many of which are now densely populated, dynamic urban centers. In areas like Valdecarros and Ensanche de Vallecas, the metro made new developments viable by providing quick and reliable access to Madrid’s city center. Madrid’s approach illustrates how strategic planning of metro stations in underdeveloped areas can open up space for large-scale housing projects, attracting new residents and contributing to the city’s economic vitality.

In Ireland, the Metro Dublin Project 2032 is following this approach by positioning transit at the core of housing development. The Spine and Ashbourne Lines are designed not just to move people but to create value along their routes. Dublin’s economic corridors can support mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, turning these areas into self-contained communities that rely on the metro as their central artery. This approach enables faster housing development and addresses Ireland’s urgent need for homes while ensuring that new neighborhoods are built with sustainability in mind.

Additionally, Metro Dublin’s emphasis on mixed-use developments along these corridors will foster communities that go beyond housing. By integrating commercial spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and parks within easy reach of metro stations, Dublin can create vibrant communities where residents have everything they need within walking distance. This model supports a more balanced urban lifestyle and reduces the city’s overall carbon footprint, making it easier for Dublin to grow while remaining sustainable.

Ireland’s housing crisis requires forward-thinking solutions, and the Metro Dublin Project’s focus on transport-oriented development along the Mighty Economic Corridors presents a unique opportunity. By drawing on successful examples from Hong Kong, London, and Madrid, Dublin can build communities that are well-connected, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable. As Ireland races to meet its housing targets, the integration of transport and housing will be key to unlocking the potential of new neighborhoods and shaping a future where Dublin’s growth is both inclusive and resilient.

If Metro Dublin gets the necessary government and public support, it will help Ireland not only catch up with housing demand but also create a model for how cities can grow in a way that benefits everyone. By putting transport at the center of development, Dublin has the opportunity to build a future that is as sustainable as it is livable—a future where communities thrive along the Mighty Economic Corridors, supported by an efficient, integrated metro system.

With the necessary Government and public support, Metro Dublin can transform our city and meet our housing needs. Contact your local representatives, advocate for the Metro Dublin Project, and join community forums to show your support—together, we can make this vision a reality for Dublin.

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