
Michael O'Leary criticised for ‘drive-by commentary' on Dublin metro
The 18.8km rail line, most of which will be underground, is to run from north of Swords to Charlemont in the south of Dublin city centre.
Advertisement
Various metro projects for the capital have been proposed in recent decades, but none have proceeded to the building stage.
On Tuesday, the Government announced that the MetroLink project would get a €2 billion boost in funding as part of the national development plan, in what Taoiseach Micheál Martin said was 'a very definitive commitment to the metro'.
While Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe indicated the latest estimated cost for the MetroLink was €11 billion, Mr O'Leary claimed it would cost €20 billion, 'so about a billion a kilometre'.
'Dublin Airport doesn't need it, Dublin Airport passengers won't use it – they're already well-served by buses,' he told RTÉ Radio on Wednesday, while claiming that less than a third of the airport's passengers use buses.
Advertisement
He said that while the tube in London runs from Heathrow and through 'all of London', the Metro will only serve a section of Dublin city's residents – around 100,000 people, he claimed.
'Here's the madness of this. This thing is going to start at Stephen's Green in the morning. If you want to get to our first wave of departures, which leave at about 6.30 in the morning, you need to be at the airport at 5.30am.
'Are you seriously going to drive into the centre of Stephen's Green, where there's no car parking, to get this metro to get to Dublin Airport for 5.30 in the morning? No, you're not.
'Let me give you the alternative scenario: for €100 million, this year we could buy 400 buses, and 400 buses would provide exactly the same capacity as this metro from Dublin Airport, in through Ballymun, in through Drumcondra, on bus lanes that already exist.'
Advertisement
He claimed the plan had not been properly costed and hit out at the Government's handling of public finances.
'This Government wasted €330,000 on a bike shed, imagine what they do with an 18-kilometre underground train from an airport?'
Micheál Martin announced two billion euro funding for the metro project (Phil Noble/PA)
He also criticised comments by Mr Martin, who said the Irish capital will not be sustainable without a metro.
'Does he not understand that the buses actually will all be electrified by the end of this decade, which will actually be greener than light rail?'
Advertisement
Labour TD Duncan Smith said Mr O'Leary's criticisms of public infrastructure were as sure 'as night follows day'.
'Dubliners are stuck in daily gridlock. MetroLink is their best chance at affordable, reliable transport that serves communities, not corporate profits.
'As a consistent advocate for MetroLink in Swords, I find it insulting to hear this kind of drive-by commentary from someone who clearly doesn't rely on public transport to get to work.
'Dublin deserves better than a transport plan from a billionaire whose only experience with buses is when he is pretending to be one.'
Advertisement
When asked about his endorsement of Enterprise Minister Peter Burke and junior minister Robert Troy during the general election campaign, Mr O'Leary claimed 'they're not in government' and criticised Mr Martin again.
'I endorsed Peter Burke, who actually topped the poll despite the criticism. I also endorsed Robert Troy – and they're not the government.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Rhyl Journal
28 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Irish premier welcomes trade deal between EU and US
The deal was reached during a meeting between Donald Trump and the president of the European Commission on Sunday. The US president met European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to hammer out the final details on the trading relationship between Europe and the US. Reacting to the deal, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the agreement was very welcome. I welcome the outcome of trade talks today between the European Commission and the US. — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 27, 2025 'It brings clarity and predictability to the trading relationship between the EU and the US – the biggest in the world,' the Fianna Fail leader said. 'That is good for businesses, investors and consumers. It will help protect many jobs in Ireland. 'The negotiations to get us to this point have been long and complex, and I would like to thank both teams for their patient work. 'We will now study the detail of what has been agreed, including its implications for businesses exporting from Ireland to the US, and for different sectors operating here. 'The agreement is a framework and there will be more detail to be fleshed out in the weeks and months ahead.' Mr Martin said the higher tariffs will have an impact on trade between the EU and the US, which will make it more expensive and more challenging. 'However, it also creates a new era of stability that can hopefully contribute to a growing and deepening relationship between the EU and the US, which is important not just for the EU and the US, but for the global economy,' he added. 'Given the very real risk that existed for escalation and for the imposition of punitively high tariffs, this news will be welcomed by many.' The deal was also welcomed by deputy Irish premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris, who said it brings clarity to businesses. 'While we have yet to see the detail, I welcome that an agreement has been announced by Commission President von der Leyen and US President Trump,' Mr Harris said in a statement. 'A deal provides a measure of much-needed certainty for Irish, European and American businesses who together represent the most integrated trading relationship in the world. Ireland makes a key contribution to this with the Ireland-US economic relationship valued at more than one trillion euros. 'The US had made clear, and this has been replicated in other recent agreements, which the US has reached with other countries, that a baseline tariff was always going to be part of the outcome. 'I have always stressed that tariffs are damaging and will have a negative impact on companies exporting to the US. 'While Ireland regrets that the baseline tariff of 15% is included in the agreement, it is important that we now have more certainty on the foundations for the EU-US trade relationship, which is essential for jobs, growth and investment. 'President von der Leyen described this as 15% tariffs across the board, all-inclusive.' He said further detail is needed around pharma, aviation and other sectors. Mr Harris said he will examine the details of the agreement over the coming days to establish the effect on Irish businesses and the economy. Earlier, EU commissioner Michael McGrath said the meeting was a 'significant and decisive moment'. Mr McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said it would involve substantive negotiations between both sides. 'It's a significant moment, we hope a decisive moment, and it builds on an enormous amount of work that has been done over quite a period of time,' Mr McGrath said ahead of the meeting. 'President Trump invited President von der Leyen to Scotland for a meeting. 'This follows on the back of intensive negotiations over a number of months. He added: 'It is not a case of turning up and signing on the dotted line. There will be a real discussion that will happen, and it will take on a dynamic of its own, and let's see what happens over the course of the afternoon. 'But from the EU's point of view, we are determined to do all that we can to get a deal for European businesses, because we recognise the cost of uncertainty. 'It manifests in trade and in investment decisions and ultimately in employment and of course tariffs can cost consumers at the end of the day. 'We want a good deal. We have negotiated hard, and we're at a point now where hopefully the two leaders can today bring it to a concluding phase.'


Scottish Sun
28 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
John Swinney ‘could be in danger of losing his Holyrood constituency seat' if people vote tactically
The First Minister is facing a renewed challenge from veteran Tory Murdo Fraser next year SWINNERS & LOSERS John Swinney 'could be in danger of losing his Holyrood constituency seat' if people vote tactically Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHN Swinney could be in danger of losing his Holyrood constituency seat if people vote tactically, a top pollster has claimed. The First Minister is facing a renewed challenge from veteran Tory Murdo Fraser in Perthshire North next year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The First Minister could be in danger of losing his Holyrood constituency seat if people vote tactically, a top pollster claims Credit: Michael Schofield 2 Analysis professional Mark Diffley thinks if voters snub Reform UK and Labour and cast ballots for Mr Fraser then Mr Swinney's 4,053 majority could be in jeopardy Credit: jo hanley 2020 And analysis professional Mark Diffley reckons if voters snub Reform UK and Labour and cast ballots for Mr Fraser then Mr Swinney's 4,053 majority could be in peril. Mr Diffley, of the Diffley Partnership, said: 'Tactical voting is a possibility but the Labour and Lib Dem vote shares in this seat in 2021 were negligible. 'Reform might expect to do well here and are likely to eat into Tory votes which makes the job easier for the SNP. 'The SNP took almost 50 per cent of the vote in 2021 and polls indicate that their vote share has fallen by around 15 points since, which might bring this seat into play.' Mr Fraser will be taking on Mr Swinney for a seventh time. He polled 15,807 votes compared to the First Minister's 19,860 in 2021, while Labour got 2,324. The Tory challenger said: 'Nigel Farage has already said he isn't worried about giving the SNP another five years in power. That should terrify every supporter of the Union living in John Swinney's backyard. 'If pro-UK voters in Perthshire want to deliver a verdict on the SNP leader being at the heart of 18 years of nationalist failure, then they must vote for me. 'I will be taking that message to local voters who are sick and tired of the SNP's continual focus on fringe issues, rather than delivering on the real priorities of the people.' Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has said Mr Fraser has a 'realistic' chance of winning the seat. In his conference speech last month, he said: 'The SNP will do everything to protect John Swinney but those seats can be in play for us. Wouldn't that be some prize? Swinney paying the price for his abysmal record.' 'Sad to see him go' - GAA fans emotional seeing Michael D Higgins attend last men's All-Ireland final as President But even if Mr Swinney loses the constituency he is still likely to be elected as a regional list MSP. Mr Diffley said Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will be hoping his party's 'unexpected' win by new MSP Davy Russell in last month's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election has boosted their chances of forming a government. He added: 'The SNP is far less popular than it was at the last Holyrood election and polls show low support for the government's performance across key policy issues. 'But Labour has not capitalised on that and the national polls point, at this stage, to the likelihood of the SNP being re-elected next year. 'Many voters are disillusioned with both the UK and Scottish governments which partly explains the rise of Reform and the likelihood that they will do well next year.' Reform and Labour confirmed they will be standing in every seat but their candidates for Perthshire North have yet to be announced. A Scottish Labour spokeswoman said: 'Scotland has been badly failed by both the SNP and the Tories, and Scottish Labour will be fighting to win in every part of the country. 'Only Scottish Labour can get rid of this incompetent SNP government and deliver a new direction.' The SNP did not respond to our request for comment.


The Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Sun
Our heroic Lionesses have brought football home AGAIN with their gutsy Euros victory
Roar talent THEY did it! Our heroic Lionesses have brought football home. Again. They put us through the emotional wringer, of course, but their task was never going to be easy. What a gutsy triumph it was against a much-fancied Spanish team and who else bu t Chloe Kelly to score the winning penalty? Gongs must surely follow for Sarina Wiegman and her team who have now been in three successive major tournament finals and won two of them. Back-to-back Euros Champions is an incredible achievement. The England men who, after all, didn't do too badly under Sir Gareth Southgate, can only look on in envy. On top of defending their Euros trophy, the Lionesses have also inspired the next generation of female footballers with their outstanding performances, grit, determination and skill. You wouldn't bet against them winning the World Cup in two years' time. Tackle the issue Exchequer Secretary James Murray is the latest to admit protesters are 'right to feel frustrated'. This after Sir Keir Starmer talked tough in May and Deputy PM Angela Rayner told Cabinet colleagues last week to address the public's 'real concerns'. Migrant hotel protesters take to the streets again as demonstrations spread across the country in weekend stand-off Starmer, of course, quickly U-turned on his 'island of strangers' comments and confessed he didn't agree with his scriptwriters' words. Do Rayner and Murray really mean it either? If they did, their Government would not have dismissed the only credible deterrent to the small boats. They are acknowledging the issue now because voter anger is worsening, with protests against migrant hotels spreading. The protesters, overwhelmingly, are not right-wing firebrands the Government can dismiss as racist extremists. These are ordinary householders worried about the threats to their communities and the safety of their children. Meanwhile, the useless Home Office is setting up a police unit to monitor social media for anti-migrant comments. The Government trying to police opinions instead of tackling the issue would be dangerously misguided. Losing bet IF the Chancellor thinks she can get away with milking Britain's gamblers for the money she needs to fill a financial black hole, the odds don't look good. Analysis shows a punitive tax on horserace betting would wipe £330million off the turf industry and put it into irreversible decline with nearly 3,000 jobs at risk. Bosses warn it is the 'gravest risk to horseracing the sport has ever seen'. The Government risks taking a punt where everyone loses.