Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A sum of €50 million has been allocated in the budget for large-scale projects, and stadium projects certainly could be considered eligible candidates for that funding. I do not know whether the Deputy is giving credit to the criticisms of our stadium infrastructure. Commitments were given in this regard and they were solid, bullet-proof and Government-sponsored. I remain of the view that it was utterly credible to give an undertaking that the infrastructure would be in place on time. However, World Rugby made a judgment that it was better to have a stadium in hand than one that is promised, and that is fair enough. All I can do now is wish good luck to the French and look forward to a very good Rugby World Cup. We are very proud of the work we did in bidding for the tournament.

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