The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has stepped up talks with two bidders for the construction of the Metro North rail link ahead of a planning decision on the project, according to a newspaper report.

The report in yesterday's Sunday Business Post said sources expect a Bord Pleanála decision on a railway order - the equivalent of a planning permission process for a rail line - in July.

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The RPA is at "best and final offer" stage with two consortiums vying for the contract to build the rail link between Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport and Swords town.

The Metro Express consortium includes AIB, construction firm Sisk and Transdev, while the Celtic Metro Group is composed of foreign operators headed by Japanese investment group Mitsui.

RPA spokesman Ger Hannon said it was up to An Bord Pleanála to decide on the railway order, but said July was a "reasonable" date to expect it.

"We expect to have enabling works contracts signed by the end of the year, so that work could start early next year," said Mr Hannon.

(NS/BMcC)