'Proper cost estimate' for Dublin's Metrolink impossible before 2024

Minister Michael McGrath said: 'When it comes to a major public investment programmes, you really don't have a proper cost estimate until you go to the market and you go to tender.'

A digital version of Tara Street Station looking north from Townsend Street under the proposed Dublin Metrolink project. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

The true cost of Dublin's Metrolink will not be known until the project goes to tender in 2024, the public expenditure minister has warned.

The business case for the project was launched last week, with a range of potential costs presented on the day. They put the lower end of costs at €7.16bn and the higher end at €12.25bn.