Dublin's long-awaited Metrolink has been given the go ahead.

The underground railway project has been granted planning permission three years after an application was lodged.

The proposed entrance to Tara Street MetroLink. It will have two entrances, one north and
south of the station, and will connect with the Irish Rail station

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien says he's confident they deliver the "once-in-a-generation" project within budget.

"I'm delighted at long last we have a planning permission now in relation to Metrolink.

"This project will transform not just Dublin, but the whole region, and it will drive further economic growth and improve people's quality of life.

"It's a project that's very close to my heart. It's been too long in the making and what I'm really focused on now is delivering it.

"So for the first time, the Government has actually provided funding through the National Development Plan reviews of €2 billion to get the project started".

An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Railway Order application for the landmark transport project that will see an 18 kilometre rail line running from Swords to Charlemont in the city centre.

The mostly underground track will have 16 stops, and will connect Dublin Airport and the city centre, with a journey time of around 20 minutes

An artist's impression of the interior of Tara Street MetroLink station. Picture by: metrolink.ie

Dublin Chamber has welcomed the decision, and said the Metro will be a 'game changer' for the capital, but it's warned the work needs to now get underway without delay.