TRANSPORT MINISTER DARRAGH O’Brien has said he does not agree with comments made by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who described building a metro in Dublin as “a waste of money”. 

Last Wednesday, O’Leary told RTÉ Radio that “Dublin Airport doesn’t need it, Dublin Airport passengers won’t use it – they’re already well-served by buses”.

His comments were heavily criticised by Dublin Labour TD Duncan Smith, who said they were “insulting”.  

“Dublin deserves better than a transport plan from a billionaire whose only experience with buses is when he is pretending to be one,” Smith said at the time. 

Asked about O’Leary’s assessment while speaking to reporters today, O’Brien said:

“I don’t agree with him, to be frank, because it’s not just about the airport.”

O’ Brien then heaped praise on O’Leary as a “very successful businessperson”.

“Ryanair have changed aviation across Europe, unquestionably. But this isn’t just about the airport or airport connectivity. 

“I’m someone who lives in North Dublin as well, and North Dublin is a major growth area.

“It is about enabling further economic development.”

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He said the metro would be beneficial to Dublin Airport, “but above and beyond the airport”, that it would lead to more housing development along the proposed route. 

“I’m not sure whether Michael has actually looked at the business case for Metro, that for every one euro invested, there’ll be a return of four euro to the economy and to the exchequer. 

“It’s a badly needed project, and yes, it will help the airport.”