Ahern dismisses £1bn stadium tag

The Taoiseach has denied that Stadium Ireland will end up costing the taxpayer £1bn.

Speaking at UCD, Bertie Ahern said an external review of project costs would get under way shortly.

He said costs were currently estimated at £350m, but admitted they may rise.

He played down any talk of rifts between himself and the Tanaiste, saying that they held frequent talks on the issue, the last of which were held yesterday.

However, he hinted that the project may be scaled down to appease PD demands and said the only aspect to which the government is so far committed is swimming