Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the discussions he is having with the various sporting bodies in the matter of the provision of national stadia; the role he anticipates for Abbotstown in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15263/04]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of sporting organisations he has met or intends to meet in the context of the provision of national stadia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15690/04]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 254 together.

The Government decided at its meeting on 27 January 2004 to approve the provision of substantial funding towards the IRFU-FAI proposals to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium as a 50,000 seat state of the art stadium. This proposal was brought to the Government following consideration of a joint proposal by the IRFU and the FAI to meet the stadium infrastructure deficit for the playing of soccer and rugby matches. On the same day I met representatives of the IRFU, the FAI and the GAA to convey the Government's decision. The project to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium is proceeding and no further discussions regarding other stadium sites are proposed. The Government has also decided to proceed with the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown.