MetroLink a planned near-19km partly underground railway between Dublin City Centre and Swords is to move forward to the tendering stage after Government approval was given at the Cabinet level. The metro line will be Dublins first, bringing the city more in line with public transport options available in over 50 other European cities. The next stage of the process will see potential bidding consortia for MetroLink answer questions on how they would build and operate the automated railway. While transport authorities and Government Ministers have been involved in events in recent months to attract bidders, the first formal stage of the tendering process is the pre-qualification questionnaire process, which is to start in February.Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh OBrien, made the announcement in a video posted to MetroLinks LinkedIn page this afternoon. He said: The Metrolink project, which is so important for the total region and the country, is moving forward. This morning, I received approval from Cabinet, with whats called the pre-qualification questionnaire stage. So in February, we will be issuing this questionnaire to potential bidders, and that will shortlist the bidders effectively.This is the start of the tendering process. This comes on the back of really good news that the judicial review has been withdrawn, funding is now in place for this project, and full planning is in place, Minister OBrien said.He added: Now for this project. So were moving forward to deliver this transformational project not just for transport from the Dublin region but to ensure that we decarbonise our transport sector and, really importantly, provide better public transport options for people in the Dublin region.There are currently two known potential bidding consortia the first is led by French train-maker Alstom, which would provide trains and related systems; the Spanish FCC Group would lead civil engineering works; and French train operator RATP Dev would provide operational and maintenance expertise. The French company Meridiam and the UK-based John Laing would also provide financing and asset management.The second known group lined up to bid for MetroLink is led by the Australian-headquartered Plenary Group, which describes itsself as the worlds leading investors, developers and managers of public-private partnership and would also include Italian firm Webuild, which would offer both design and civil works; the Japanese train maker Hitachi Rail which would provide rolling stock and rail systems, and French metro operator Keolis would run the system and cover maintenance. Consultants Arup and Egis would also provide design expertise.MAIN IMAGE: The interior of one of Alstoms trains and the exterior of a sample of Hitachis rolling stock.