Ireland's Transport Minister has played down suggestions the Dublin Metro project will be axed under the forthcoming supplementary budget.

Noel Dempsey, speaking to RTE, denied the scheme was under threat.

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However, he said the final decision cannot be made until next year because An Bord Pleanala has moved back their decision date until September.

This has meant savings of up to €50m this year because some enabling works and property purchase cannot now go ahead, he added.

The Minister said a final decision on the project will only be made when tender prices are submitted and analysed in the first quarter of 2010.

(PR/JM)