I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 41 and 49 together.
The preparatory work leading to the construction of a new stadium at Lansdowne Road is already under way. There has been no change in the end-2008 target date for completion of the project.
Since the Government's decision of 27 January to support a joint IRFU-FAI proposal to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium as a 50,000 all seated stadium, my Department has been working with both the IRFU and the FAI to plan for and progress the implementation of the decision. A steering group has been established to advance the project and regular contact is maintained with both organisations.
The Lansdowne Stadium Project Steering Group has held a number of meetings. Chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, its membership comprises representatives of the IRFU, the FAI, my Department and the OPW. A priority for the steering group is to ensure that all the legal, financial, planning and procurement requirements are met in an efficient and timely manner so that actual construction work can get under way at the earliest possible date.
The delivery of the project will be the joint responsibility of the IRFU and the FAI through a special purpose vehicle, the establishment of which is nearing completion. The appointment of a project director for the project is imminent. A formal grant agreement, between my Department on the one hand and the IRFU and the FAI on the other, is currently being finalised.
The indicative time frame for the project includes a period of 11 months to complete the planning process. The construction phase is expected to take 29 months and is scheduled to commence in mid-2006 and to be completed by the end of 2008.