Work on Dublin's Metro North project, from Dublin city centre to the airport, will be brought forward with the announcement that the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has given approval for Exchequer funding.
It will be used to fast-track the construction of the underground stations at the new Mater Hospital and Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport, even though a builder has not yet been chosen.
It's claimed that by giving the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA) the green light now to get construction underway, it will minimise disruption to the sites. The RPA has said it will help the tendering process.
Later this week, they are expected to invite the four international consortia that have pre-qualified to tender to a technical workshop in advance of formal bids for the project.
Construction was due to be completed by 2012 but sources have said it is more likely to be finished in 2013. Plans will be finalised by the end of the summer.
(VB/JM)
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