Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the design team and a project management team, for the development of the stadium at Lansdowne Road, has been appointed; when it is expected that planning permission for the new stadium will be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5310/05]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has given consideration to where Ireland might play their home soccer and rugby internationals while the re-development of Landsdowne Road is taking place; the discussions he has had with the IRFU and the FAI in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5321/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.

The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Limited was established by the IRFU and FAI to develop the stadium at Lansdowne Road and this company is responsible for all matters relating to building and delivering the stadium.

The company, with the assistance of OPW, is currently evaluating tenders received in connection with the appointment of a design team and a project management team for the project. It is expected that both teams will be in place by the end of March 2005. The company intends that a planning application will be pursued during 2005 as soon as possible after these teams have been appointed.

In relation to the potential disruption of matches at the stadium, once the construction work gets underway, the stadium will be unavailable for some period of time. I am aware that the IRFU and FAI have considered a number of contingency options for rugby and soccer matches during the period when the existing pitch will be unavailable for a period of time commencing in 2007. While it is a matter for these autonomous sporting bodies to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that their match commitments are met, my Department is in regular liaison with both bodies through the Lansdowne Road stadium steering group.