Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has selected, through a qualification process, five archaeological firms to carry out archaeological work along the route of the Dublin Metro – MetroLink.
These five firms will be the first invited to submit bids for the first contract. The system is active and remains open for the duration of the program, and MetroLink encourages interest from all contractors who meet the necessary standards.
The first contract, which is being put out to bid to the five qualified firms, covers the northern section of the route, from Estuary to Fosterstown, with further contracts to be launched for the remaining areas. The qualification system is active and open throughout the duration of the MetroLink project, and new firms are invited to apply to strengthen the system’s capacity and resilience.
NTA Executive Director Anne Shaw stated that the designation of the five specialized firms represents “an important step forward” in preparing for the implementation of MetroLink. She emphasized that archaeological expertise will play a vital role in protecting Ireland’s cultural heritage while ensuring the development of the transportation infrastructure needed for future generations.
Archaeological services ensure the proper identification, documentation, and conservation of artifacts, structures, or remains, in accordance with heritage legislation and the requirements of the rail project.
This not only protects cultural heritage but also reduces the risk of costly delays caused by unexpected discoveries.
The work may also include presenting archaeological findings to the public through exhibitions, digital communication, and community activities, such as school visits or open houses, to encourage public interest in heritage.
Scope of archaeological work for the Dublin Metro:
- Archaeological test excavations and investigations to determine the extent and nature of archaeological remains present in the MetroLink area, on the section between the Estuary Complex and Fosterstown station.
- Conducting additional archaeological excavations to investigate and clarify any identified finds, including report preparation, analysis of artifacts and samples, as well as activities to disseminate the results.
- Archaeological Consultant M130 will conduct archaeological research and reporting at specific locations where archaeological constraints exist. The exact areas requiring investigation are detailed in the contract drawings and were determined by the Advanced Works Design Service (AWDS), based on a rigorous process that included: desk reviews of previous archaeological surveys, analysis of existing data from the National Monuments Register (NMS) via the Historic Environment Viewer platform, examination of heritage maps, and the excavation of test trenches.
The archaeological consultant is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits to carry out the work in accordance with legal obligations and for developing work methodologies that comply with the requirements of these permits. The consultant must ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders throughout the entire project, maintaining constant collaboration and alignment with regulatory requirements. The consultant is also responsible for preparing comprehensive documentation, including traffic management plans, quality and environmental plans, as well as detailed execution methodologies.
Throughout the project, the consultant is responsible for disseminating archaeological findings and reporting discoveries accurately and in a timely manner, in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the consultant must implement all necessary health and safety measures to protect personnel and construction sites, as well as conduct ongoing monitoring and supervision to ensure compliance and progress of the works.
The Dublin Metro Project
MetroLink is Ireland’s first fully automated, high-capacity metro system, designed to transform public transportation in Dublin. Spanning approximately 19 km, it will connect Swords and Charlemont, passing through Dublin Airport and the city center.
MetroLink represents a world-class infrastructure for Ireland, with an estimated capacity of up to 53 million passengers annually. The system is designed for high frequency, allowing trains to run at intervals of up to 90 seconds during peak periods, ensuring a flow of up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The journey between the airport and the city center will take approximately 20 minutes, facilitating fast and efficient mobility. The project also includes approximately 3,000 Park & Ride spaces, as well as connections to the Luas light rail, bus, and rail networks.
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