The construction of the Metro North light-rail system in Dublin will force 150 of the city's bus routes to be changed, according to the Railway Procurement Agency.

The agency has also said a fifth of the city's popular Saint Stephen's Green will be closed to the public, for four years, to allow works to go ahead.

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This measure will be taken to accommodate the construction of an underground station.

Longer journey timed across Dublin have been predicted, with the closure of Westmoreland Street.

Traffic congestion around the city is expected to worsen for the next five year, a work progresses, according to RPA.

The light-rail route will connect Belinstown, North of Swords with St Stephen's Green along an 180-kilometre route and is due to open in 2013.

The RPA submitted its planning application to Bord Pleanála last week.

(PR/JM)