THE HIGH COURT has heard that the applicants who lodged judicial review proceedings against the MetroLink are “agreeable” to mediation outside of court.

Appearing before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys today, a representative for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said the company has arranged a mediation with some of the applicants to the case on 22 December.

Humphreys said the development was “good news” and said he was open to any alternative dispute solution.

BC Law, representing the Dartmouth Square group, had told the court that the applicants “are agreeable to entering into mediation”.

A mediation would involve both parties reaching an agreement and avoiding a court hearing.

Lawyers representing the residents also agreed to carry out several administrative actions before permission for the application could be decided.

The case will appear before the court again on Monday 8 December where the judge will decide if the case can proceed. 

A hearing date for the case has been set for 18 March 2026. Counsel for An Coimisiún Pleanála asked for a hearing to be arranged as soon as possible due to the importance of the project.

The application by the group of 20, who are mostly residents of Dartmouth Square in Dublin 6, has been criticised by government ministers. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said it will result in “months” of delays and put the 2027 construction start date in jeopardy.

TII said last week it “regrets the inevitable delay that will result” from a judicial review hearing.

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We went to Ranelagh to ask about Metrolink. Locals weren't too keen to talk

The residents who brought the appeal live near where the €9.5bn project will have a terminus at Charlemont.

Many of the objectors have already made submissions to the planning board arguing that Charlemont is the wrong location for a terminus.

Residents had complained that streets nearby were small and already congested, and the terminus would create enormous issues for the local community.

Some residents now party to the proposed judicial review had previously complained to the planning board about the impact of MetroLink construction works, including on the value of their property on Dartmouth Square.

Some residents called for the MetroLink to terminate at St Stephen’s Green in the city centre.