The man tasked with spearheading the delivery of Dublin's MetroLink has said he is "delighted and honoured" with the role.

New Zealander Sean Sweeney, whose father is from Co Mayo, has been named project director following a global search.

Mr Sweeney has previously held leadership roles on major infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand and the US over three decades.

Most recently he was the Chief Executive Officer of City Rail Link - an underground rail link in Auckland’s city centre and New Zealand’s largest-ever transport infrastructure project.

He is an expert in the procurement and delivery of large capital works and tunnelling.

Mr Sweeney will receive a base annual salary of €550,000, which the Department of Transport says is "below the mean equivalent rate for this level of expertise globally".

Split-screen image shows an underground Metro train and an artist's impression of a MetroLink station in Dublin

On his appointment, Mr Sweeney said he is looking forward to his new role.

"My late father was born and raised in Castlebar, Co Mayo - he would be thrilled and immensely proud, as I am, to know his son was going back to lead this major project for Dublin," he said.

"MetroLink is a once-in-a-generation project that will transform the public transport system in the capital city and I am delighted and honoured to have been selected to spearhead its delivery."

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the appointment is "another important step in ensuring that this time MetroLink will be delivered".

"We now have one of the best people in the world on our team to get the job done," he said.

"Once we get through the planning process, I am keen for us to go full tilt to get construction underway so that we meet our milestones and deliver a world-class metro system as quickly as possible."

The route for the Dublin MetroLink. Image: MetroLink

As project director, Mr Sweeney will be responsible for leading the development and delivery of the MetroLink.

MetroLink is a fully segregated, driverless and mostly underground high-capacity system between Swords and Dublin city centre.

MetroLink will run for 18.8km from Swords to Charlemont Station in the south of the city and link up with Dublin Airport as well as other transport systems.

Subject to there being no legal challenges, it is expected that detailed project procurement will begin next year.

If approved by Cabinet, construction is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.

Main image: An illustration of a MetroLink train. Image: MetroLink