Will MetroLink Worsen Dublin's Housing Crisis? How Metro Dublin's Project 2032 Could Be the Solution

Mon 14 Oct 2024 - Nathan Broderick CMO at Metro Dublin

​Dublin's housing crisis could worsen with the government's single-line MetroLink potentially driving up property prices due to exclusivity, while Metro Dublin's Project 2032 promises a game-changing six-line metro system inspired by Hong Kong's MTR, aiming to build 80,000 homes per year and make affordable living accessible across the city.

NTA's MetroLink (LEFT) Metro Dublin Project 2032 (RIGHT)

Ireland's housing crisis is a pressing issue that demands multifaceted solutions. With an estimated need to build 62,000 houses per year for the next decade to catch up with demand, the current construction rate of approximately half that number indicates a significant shortfall. At this pace, it would take 20 years to meet the existing housing needs. In this context, the development of efficient public transportation systems like the government's MetroLink and the proposed Metro Dublin Project 2032 can play pivotal roles—but with markedly different impacts.

The government's MetroLink, a proposed single-line metro system, aims to enhance connectivity in Dublin. While it fills important gaps in the city's transport network and is a positive step towards improving public transit, it may inadvertently exacerbate the housing crisis. The exclusivity of properties along this sole metro line is likely to drive up housing prices in those areas. Increased demand for convenient access to the metro can make these neighborhoods less affordable, pushing first-time buyers to search further afield. This not only strains individuals but also contributes to urban sprawl and longer commutes, undermining efforts to create sustainable urban environments.

Metro Dublin Project 2032 Map

In contrast, Metro Dublin's Project 2032 envisions a comprehensive six-line metro system that would expand access to efficient public transportation across the city. By reducing the exclusivity premium associated with living near a metro line, this project could help stabilise housing prices. Residents would have the flexibility to live in various parts of the city without sacrificing accessibility, thereby dispersing housing demand more evenly and preventing price surges in specific areas.

Mixed use development as part of rail station in Hong Kong

A key differentiator is the approach to property development. The government's MetroLink has identified areas for possible development but lacks a solid, integrated property development plan. Metro Dublin's Project 2032, however, is inspired by Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system—a model where transit development and property development go hand in hand. In Hong Kong, the MTR Corporation leveraged air rights above stations and rail lines, selling them to developers who built high-density residential and commercial properties. This strategy not only financed the transit system but also stimulated massive urban development, efficiently using limited land resources and promoting sustainable living.

Applying this model, Metro Dublin's Project 2032 could potentially facilitate the development of up to 80,000 houses per year. By integrating the metro system with property development, it could significantly accelerate housing construction, helping to meet and even exceed the annual target required to alleviate the housing crisis. This would not only provide much-needed homes but also promote sustainable urban growth, reducing reliance on cars and decreasing environmental impact.

It's important to acknowledge the value of the government's MetroLink project despite its limitations. Its construction is essential for improving Dublin's transportation network and providing immediate relief to congestion issues. The MetroLink serves as a crucial component that enhances connectivity and supports the city's economic activities.

However, to address the housing crisis effectively, a more expansive and integrated approach is necessary. Metro Dublin's Project 2032 offers such a solution by combining extensive public transportation development with proactive property development strategies. By opening up the city and making rail travel accessible to most residents, it reduces the pressure on specific areas and distributes economic opportunities more evenly.

While both metro projects aim to improve Dublin's public transportation infrastructure, their impacts on the housing crisis differ significantly. The government's MetroLink is a positive but limited step forward. In contrast, Metro Dublin's Project 2032 presents a transformative opportunity to tackle the housing shortage head-on. By learning from the successful model of Hong Kong's MTR system, Dublin can create a more accessible, affordable, and sustainable city for all its residents.