John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 25 and 40 together.

In January 2006, the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company — LRSDC — the company charged with delivery of this project, submitted a planning application to Dublin City Council and then provided a detailed response to questions raised by the city council about that application. In the process of preparing the planning application the company engaged in extensive consultations with relevant interests and specialists, including local resident groups. The application lodged endeavoured to address, to the maximum extent possible, the issues identified by expert advisors and the concerns expressed by those groups consulted.

The issue raised by the Deputy relates to the house at No. 70 Shelbourne Road, which it is proposed to demolish in order to allow for a new access point to the stadium. I understand the company had this house surveyed and was advised that it was not listed and, indeed, is of insufficient heritage value for listing. Further, it was the opinion of the heritage architect expert consulted that the house has no special architectural merit, as it presented only a veneer of authenticity and did not contribute to the streetscape in a positive manner. I understand that in discussions with Dublin City Council there was no indication to the contrary as regards this issue.

It seems that recently a number of local councillors, through the local area committee, have objected to the demolition of the house and have intimated they will seek advice and attempt to have this house and the terrace in which it stands listed. This is a matter for the councillors concerned and for Dublin City Council and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the initiative.

The deadline for a decision from Dublin City Council on the planning application is also a matter for the council, although a response to the planning application is due by the end of July.

The dispute between the IRFU and the named football club, as I have indicated previously, is a matter between the IRFU and the club in question. It is clear that ultimately the issues must be resolved by the parties directly involved. Discussions between those parties are still ongoing.

To date, the project has proceeded on schedule and while no one can say what length of time will be required to obtain planning permission, I am hopeful the planning process will not delay that schedule. I believe a solution will be found to the dispute between the IRFU and Wanderers Football Club and, equally, I am hopeful the local residents will not delay the redevelopment of the stadium. I put my views on the record on a number of occasions that if this project does not go ahead at Lansdowne Road, it might ultimately result in other, and perhaps less attractive, developments on the site.

With a view to resolving the dispute between the IRFU and Wanderers Football Club, I may have to intervene in the matter. If I can help, I will do that.

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