Minister for Transport Semaus Brennan confirms that Dublin will have a metro link between the city centre and the airport by 2007.

Seamus Brennan admitted that the completion of a metro rail link from Shanganagh to Dublin Airport by 2007 would be unrealistic. The Minister was in Dundrum to inspect the finishing touches being put to the Luas bridge which he said would become one of the most recognised landmarks in Dublin. The Luas line between St Stephen's Green and Sandyford is due for completion in 2003.

While the Luas works are going to schedule, the planned metro system is not doing so well. Phase 1 of the metro line was to run from Shanganagh in South Dublin to Dublin Airport and was due to be completed by 2007.

What I am confirming today is that by 2007 we will have the airport link done because that has been identified now as a government priority.

Leader of the opposition and Fine Gael TD Enda Kenny says is not good enough that not one single foot of the line to the airport has been laid.

Minister Brennan also denied reports that the line could cost €20 billion and said it would be more like €2 billion.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 August 2002. The reporter is Orla O'Donnell.