There are calls for the new Dublin MetroLink to stop at St Stephen’s Green – with a second phase taking it from there to Tallaght.

The Government last week published its plan for the multi-Billion Euro project, which it hopes to see running by 2034.

The plan would see the underground running from Charlemont near Ranelagh to the north side of Swords – and will cost anything from €7bn to €12bn.

Meanwhile, the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar warned Newstalk that in an ‘extreme-case scenario’, it could rise to €23bn.

In a statement this afternoon, the Metro South West Group, which represents 39 residents associations in Dublin, called for “two significant changes” to the plan.

It said the changes could be made over the three years it is expected it will take before construction commences – ensuring the project is not delayed further.

The group is calling for the first phase of the project to terminate at St Stephen’s Green, instead of running from there on into Charlemont where a new terminus will be located.

Instead, the group says the terminus should be located at St Stephen’s Green with passengers there changing over to the Luas.

It said a second phase could then see the metro extended from St Stephen’s Green out to west Dublin, terminating at Tallaght.

It said this would allow the Government to make a decision on the second stage, “well before the Tunnel Boring Machine comes anywhere near St Stephens Green.”