Metro North construction to interfere with 150 bus routes

More than 150 Dublin Bus routes will have to be changed to make way for the construction of the Metro North light-rail system.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has said there will be wider impacts in relation to traffic congestion and longer journey times across Dublin as Westmoreland Street will be closed to traffic during construction for up to five years.

It is reported today that a fifth of St Stephen's Green will be closed to the public for four years while the underground station is being built.

The RPA will look for planning permission from a Bord Pleanála for the project today. 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.