Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road following the stadium's closure at the end of 2006; when the demolition of the old stadium and construction of the new stadium will begin; if the planning process is resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5559/07]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the provision of the new stadium at Lansdowne Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5707/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 22 together.

The planning process for the Lansdowne Road Stadium redevelopment is still in train. To reiterate the position, in July last year, Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the project, subject to a number of conditions. This led to a number of appeals against the granting of planning permission by local residents. An Bord Pleanála held an Oral hearing in December last and its decision is expected shortly.

Subject to a favourable outcome to the planning process, it is envisaged that construction will get underway immediately. There is an estimated construction period of 29 months and I am optimistic that by 2010, we will have a second major stadium for field sports in the city of Dublin at Lansdowne Road.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the GAA will be requested to extend the opening of Croke Park beyond 2007 in view of the delay to the development of Lansdowne Road. [5541/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The question of the GAA continuing with its policy of accommodating rugby and soccer in Croke Park is one for the GAA alone to decide and it has always been my policy not to interfere in this matter. I have at no stage sought to tell the Association what approach it should take on the question of access to Croke Park.

However, like most other sports loving people in the country, I was delighted and proud to see the first staging of an international rugby match at the fine stadium at Croke Park last Sunday. Furthermore, I look forward to further great entertainment when the remaining rugby international and the soccer fixtures take place there this year.

In January 2004, the Government agreed to provide funding to the joint IRFU/FAI project for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium as a 50,000-capacity all-seater stadium. The planning and design stage of the project got underway and in July 2006, Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the project. As you know, the matter was appealed to An Bord Pleanála and an Oral hearing took place in December. The planning process must run its course and the Lansdowne Road Stadium Redevelopment Company is awaiting the outcome of an adjudication by An Bord Pleanála on appeals against the granting of planning approval for the project by Dublin City Council. However, I am optimistic that by 2010, we will have a second splendid major stadium for field sports in the city of Dublin, at Lansdowne Road.

Given that Lansdowne Road will be out of commission for a period of time, the three sporting organisations involved, that is the IRFU, the FAI and the GAA, entered into discussions to provide an alternative venue for rugby and soccer during this time. Agreement was reached about the use of Croke Park in 2007 and I understand that the three parties have now commenced discussions for the use of Croke Park in 2008 and the GAA will make its decision regarding 2008 at a meeting this weekend. I look forward, with confidence to these negotiations being concluded in the same spirit that made possible the sporting occasion of great cultural and historical significance that was exhibited in Croke Park on Sunday last.