Discussions around the abandoned Metro North project could be back on the agenda in Dublin.

The €2bn rail system for the north side of the capital was abandoned when the economic crisis hit.

But €165m had already been spent on it.

The planned 16.5km system was to have 14 stops, linking the city centre to Dublin Airport - as well as running to the Mater Hospital and Dublin City University (DCU).

The proposed route map | Image: RPA

It was to have a capacity for 20,000 people in each direction per hour, carrying four million passengers per year.

Estimates put the net benefit to Irish economy at more than €1bn.

Now Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe says it is one of many options being looked at for transport.