The proposed Metro North project will create an economic corridor that could double the level of economic activity in the region and create up to 37,000 new jobs in the next 20 years, according to a new economic report.
Fingal County Council is hoping the new economic strategy for the region will boost the population in the Metro North Economic Corridor (MNEC) and attract high tech manufacturing and services firms to the area.
The county council is also backing the development of a new hospital and university located within the corridor, which covers one kilometre on either side of the proposed Metro North line from north of Swords at Lissenhall to south Fingal, and includes Swords, Dublin Airport and Metro Park.
The publishing of this strategy is very timely as decisions need to be made now on where the development of the Metro corridor will go in the future - Fingal county manager David O'Connor
The report, which was developed for Fingal County Council by Indecon International Economic Consultants, also highlights the need for investment in supporting road, services and social infrastructure to accommodate the planned surge in population.
The number of people living within the MNEC will be increased to more than 128,000 under the new plans, adding 69,100 to the region.
The report also recommends the preparation of a skills strategy for to support the proposed economic plans for the area.
Speaking today, Fingal county manager David O'Connor said the Metro brought "an unprecedented opportunity" for both Fingal and Dublin region.
"The publishing of this strategy is very timely as decisions need to be made now on where the development of the Metro corridor will go in the future," he said.
The local authority is hoping to push the MNEC as a major international business location, given its proximity to the airport, the planned developments in road and rail infrastructure and access to a highly educated young workforce.
