IRFU and FAI Discuss Stadium Proposal with Minister

The IRFU and the FAI met with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O Donoghue TD to discuss the issue of a new stadium development at Lansdowne Road.

The IRFU and the FAI met with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O Donoghue TD to discuss the issue of a new stadium development at Lansdowne Road.

A joint delegation from both sporting bodies including Chief Executive Philip Browne and Noel Murphy of the IRFU, Chief Executive Officer Fran Rooney and Treasurer John Delaney of the FAI discussed the 50,000 all seater proposal.

The proposal put forward indicated that the cost of the proposed development at Lansdowne Road at present day prices was 250 million and that the joint contribution from the IRFU and the FAI would be approximately one third.

Over 85 million of the total cost of the project will also return to the exchequer in VAT, PAYE and PRSI returns arising from the initial construction phase.

The timetable for completion of the project, if approved, would be 2008.

The delegation emphasised to the Minister the urgency of the situation as well as the significant ongoing economic benefits arising from the new larger stadium. Both organisations also indicated that decisions on other key issues were being delayed as a result of the delay in making a decision on the stadium.