The feasibility study into the Taoiseach's proposed 80,000-seat National Stadium is complete and is expected to be considered by the Cabinet in weeks.
The £380,000 study, which was undertaken by a consortium of consultants led by Price waterhouse Coopers, was commissioned a year ago.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has said a national stadium is needed in the greater Dublin area, where all key sports can be played.
The financier and former bookmaker, Mr J.P. McManus, is believed to have pledged £50 million for the project and there is also a high level of support from the private sector.
A steering committee chaired by the former Aer Rianta chief executive, Mr Derek Keogh, was set up to oversee the feasibility study.
This committee is made up of representatives from major sporting organisations including the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU, as well as representatives from the private sector and a number of Government departments.
The study examined a range of issues relevant to the feasibility of developing and operating an 80,000-seat stadium, including the economic, social and other benefits that can be expected to be derived.
The demand for the use of the stadium from various sporting, entertainment and other commercial categories and possible locations for the stadium were also examined.
Mr Ahern told the Dail last week that the feasibility study has been recently completed and "will be brought to Government for consideration and decision at an early date".
Mr Ahern said he did not want to pre-empt the findings of the study but he said the Government will take all relevant matters into account in reaching a decision on the project.
He said the Government will also take cognisance of all existing and proposed stadia developments, including the plan by the FAI for a £65 million sports stadium in south-west Dublin with an all-seater capacity of 45,000.
The Taoiseach said the £380,000 for the study has not yet been paid. It will be paid when Department of the Taoiseach officials confirm that the study has been satisfactorily completed, Mr Ahern said.