Why transport is the CRUCIAL missing link to Ireland’s HOUSING CRISIS

7 Oct 2024 - Nathan Broderick - CMO at Metro Dublin

Transport infrastructure is essential for large-scale housing development, as it makes new areas accessible and attractive to residents and developers. In Dublin, projects like the Metro Dublin Project 2032 could unlock the potential for building thousands of homes annually, similar to how Hong Kong used its metro system to stimulate property development.

Hong Kong MRT

Ireland is currently in the midst of an unprecedented housing crisis, with an urgent need to build at least 60,000 homes every year over the next decade just to catch up with demand. Unfortunately, the country has struggled to meet these targets, falling significantly short each year. In cities like Dublin, where the pressure is particularly acute, the lack of supporting infrastructure has become a key obstacle to progress. For instance, housing projects like the proposed 168 homes in Coolquay have been cancelled due to inadequate transport links, highlighting the critical connection between infrastructure and housing development.

Transport infrastructure is an essential foundation for any large-scale housing project. In rapidly growing cities, especially those expanding from the center outward, efficient public transport is vital for making peripheral areas more accessible. A strong transport network allows people to commute easily between their homes and workplaces, making it feasible to develop housing in areas that might otherwise remain undeveloped. This, in turn, attracts both developers and potential homeowners, driving up land values in areas with good connectivity. Moreover, effective transport systems reduce reliance on cars, which not only cuts down on traffic congestion but also supports environmentally sustainable growth.

Metro Dublin Project 2032 Map

A lack of adequate transport infrastructure can stall housing projects, as potential residents may be reluctant to move to areas where commuting is difficult or time-consuming. This creates a vicious cycle, where developers are hesitant to invest in new housing projects due to a lack of demand, and demand remains low because transport options are limited. In this context, the proposed Metro Dublin Project, set to be completed by 2032, has the potential to be a game-changer for both housing and transport in Ireland’s capital.

The Metro Dublin Project, with its 95 kilometers of track and 61 stations, promises to revolutionise public transport in the city. Its scope extends far beyond easing traffic congestion or improving commute times. By connecting key residential and commercial zones, the metro system could unlock the capacity to support the development of up to 80,000 new homes annually—well beyond the 60,000 homes needed to tackle Ireland’s housing crisis. This approach to infrastructure-led housing development is similar to the successful model implemented in Hong Kong, where the city's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system became the catalyst for large-scale urban expansion.

Large Scale Mixed Use Development example at Greencastle Metro Dublin Station

Hong Kong’s MTR system provides an excellent case study of how transport infrastructure can stimulate housing development. When the MTR was built, it was designed not just as a transport solution but as a tool for urban growth. The rail system was strategically planned to serve as the backbone of new communities, with stations located in areas primed for residential and commercial development. The MTR Corporation, which oversaw the construction of the railway, also became heavily involved in property development, building housing estates, shopping malls, and office buildings around the metro stations. This model—referred to as "rail + property" development—allowed the city to accommodate its growing population while funding further infrastructure expansion.

The key to the success of the MTR system was its focus on station-centered development. By building high-density housing around metro stations, the MTR made it easy for residents to live in newly developed areas while still having access to the city center. Additionally, the increase in land values near the stations allowed the MTR Corporation to finance further expansion of the rail network through real estate sales and leases, creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth. Public-private partnerships played a crucial role in this process, with the government providing land and funding while private developers handled the construction of homes and commercial spaces.

Hong Kong Large Scale Mix Use Development plans at Kowloon Station

The Metro Dublin Project could adopt a similar approach to solve both the transport and housing challenges the city currently faces. The metro network will connect critical areas of the city, including the airport, the city center, and key suburbs. This provides an opportunity for Dublin to integrate housing developments around these new stations, allowing for the creation of vibrant, high-density residential neighborhoods in areas that currently lack proper infrastructure.

By following Hong Kong’s example of station-oriented development, Dublin could encourage developers to build housing near metro stations, where access to public transport will make new residential areas more attractive to potential buyers and renters. In addition to housing, these new developments could also include schools, retail spaces, and essential community services, creating self-sufficient neighborhoods that reduce the need for long commutes. To facilitate this process, the government could form partnerships with private developers, providing incentives or public land in exchange for commitments to build housing that supports sustainable growth.

Another key element of this approach is the idea of land value capture. As the metro system increases land values in areas near new stations, the government could recoup some of this increased value through taxes or development fees. These funds could then be reinvested into further expansion of the metro system, creating a cycle of growth that benefits both housing and transport infrastructure.

Ireland’s housing crisis requires innovative solutions, and transport infrastructure must be a central part of any strategy to address it. The Metro Dublin Project 2032 presents a unique opportunity to replicate the success of cities like Hong Kong by using transport to unlock housing growth. With careful planning, Dublin can build the 60,000 homes a year it so desperately needs and ensure that these homes are well-connected to the rest of the city, making them more attractive to potential residents. The key to success lies in the integration of transport and housing development, with public and private sectors working together to create communities that are accessible, sustainable, and livable.
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Ireland’s housing crisis, though severe, presents an opportunity for urban transformation. With a metro system that connects people to their homes, jobs, and services, Dublin can not only meet its housing targets but also create a city that works for everyone. If approached strategically, the combination of the Metro Dublin Project and targeted housing development could shape a future where Ireland’s urban centers are livable, inclusive, and built to last.