Transport 21 was an Irish infrastructure plan, announced in November 2005. Its aims were to greatly expand Ireland's transport network. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan at the time.
The plan included continuing investment in Ireland's road network, along with investment in public transport in the form of buses and rail.
After the collapse of the Irish banking system the Transport 21 project was cancelled in May 2011.
A significant portion of this investment would focus on the creation of an integrated rail network in Dublin. Projects included a tunnel under Dublin city centre connecting Heuston Station with Pearse Station and Docklands station at Spencer Dock. This would facilitate the expansion of the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system from one line to two. Also included were several new Luas lines, a metro system, and tighter integration between all rail systems, particularly at the planned St. Stephen's Green interchange. This would create a single integrated rail network in Dublin that served the north, south, east and west of the city.
Other rail investment included the planned Western Railway Corridor, redevelopment of a rail link from Navan to Dublin and upgrading and extending suburban rail in Cork.
Also included in the plan was the significant expansion of the Dublin Bus passenger-carrying capacity, completion of the motorway system linking all the major urban centres on the island, and better integration of all transport systems.
Luas - Dublin
St. Stephen's Green to Luas Red Line (Line BX) The RPA (Railway Procurement Agency) announced the new preferred route extension from the Green Line stop at St. Stephen's Green to Luas Red Line (Line BX) in 2011. The route continues on from St. Stephen's Green towards Dawson Street, Grafton Street Lower, College Green, Westmoreland Street, O'Connell Street and Parnell Square. Construction of the line began in June 2013 and was opened on 9 December 2017.
Connolly to Point Depot (Line C1) The route for the Red Line extension (Line C1) from Connolly to the Point Depot was fixed in the early 2000s and the Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in December 2006. Construction works got underway in June 2007, with the centrepiece being a new bridge at the Harbourmaster Place end of Mayor Street. It was officially opened in 2009.
Sandyford to Brides Glen (Line B1) The route for the Green Line extension (Line B1) from Sandyford to Brides Glen was chosen by the RPA and the Railway Order was signed by the Minister of Transport in August 2006. The line opened on 16 October 2010.
Brides Glen to Bray (Line B2) The route for this line had been selected (Route 2). This project is currently being reconsidered by the National Transport Authority.
Belgard to Saggart (Line A1) A Red Line extension was planned from Belgard to Saggart to be built as a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP). The line received planning permission in June 2008 and construction got underway in February 2009. The track from Belgard began preparing for track laying on 11 January 2010 by closing the Belgard Stop. It became operational in 2011.
Line BX to Liffey Junction (Line D) Construction on the Luas Line D began in June 2013. This route uses the former Broadstone rail alignment. It opened on 9 December 2017.
Light Rail Metro - Dublin
A Dublin Metro project has been in discussion for many years. The construction of a light metro system, similar to the Porto Metro in Portugal, was originally planned.
Stephen's Green to Belinstown (Metro North)
The RPA had announced the Metro North from St Stephen's Green to Belinstown north of Swords via Dublin Airport and sought public comments on the route. A total of 17 stops are planned, and the length of each train would be 90m.
In October 2006, RPA published an initial route for Metro North, with a revised route appearing in April 2008. This route is to be a Public Private Partnership initiative (PPP) and in September 2008 the RPA applied to An Bord Pleanala for a Railway Order. In 2011, due to the economic climate, Metro North was deferred for a number of years.
Tallaght to Dardistown (Metro West) The RPA had announced the Metro West from Tallaght to Dardistown, and had sought public comments on two route options. On 5 July 2007 the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor was announced. The route ran from Tallaght to Metro North at Dardistown, south of Dublin Airport via Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown and was approximately 25.5 km long. This route was also to be a Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPP).