Dáil debates

Thursday, 30 November 2006

4:00 pm

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 16 and 23 together.

As the House is aware, in January 2004, the Government agreed to provide funding of €191 million, phased over five years, to the joint IRFU-FAI project for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road as a 50,000-seat stadium. The estimated total cost of the project is €365 million and the IRFU and FAI will provide the balance of €174 million. Expenditure to date on the project amounts to €18.94 million. I am satisfied that I will have ample funds in my Vote to meet both the current and capital needs of the stadium project in 2007.

On 31 July 2006, Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the project, subject to a number of conditions which can be accommodated without undue difficulty. A number of appeals against the granting of planning permission have been lodged by local residents and An Bord Pleanála has indicated that it will hold an oral hearing commencing on 11 December next. Following the oral hearing, An Bord Pleanála will issue a decision which I am hopeful will enable the project to proceed early in 2007.

Once construction commences, the estimated period for completion is 29 months. The newly developed Lansdowne Road will finally bring the stadium facilities into the 21st century and the Irish rugby and soccer squads will have a worthy platform on which they can showcase themselves and Ireland to the world, and from which they can develop and build on the progress they have already achieved.

As to current issues between the IRFU and Wanderers Rugby Club, I have said previously that the dispute is entirely a matter which must be resolved within the rugby family. I do not intend to intervene or comment extensively on the matter. It is clear that ultimately the issues must be resolved between the parties directly involved. Discussions are ongoing and it is a time for cool heads and sound reason. I am confident that a solution will be found and that the dispute will not delay the redevelopment of the stadium.

I am very hopeful that by the end of 2009 we will see the completion of the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium, which will cater for the international rugby and soccer requirements of the IRFU and FAI. I look forward to the completion of this much-needed new stadium, which will be a welcome flagship facility for rugby and soccer.

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