Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2004
74 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a consultation programme has been put in place to keep local residents informed about the redevelopment proposals for Lansdowne Road stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31463/04]
View answer78 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has recently engaged in discussions with the IRFU and the FAI regarding the unavailability of Lansdowne Road for matches during the period in which it will be renovated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31437/04]
View answer84 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected timescale for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31464/04]
View answer155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to his discussions with the various sporting authorities with particular reference to the provision of alternative stadium facilities during the course of the forthcoming refurbishment of Lansdowne Road, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31641/04]
View answerI propose to take QuestionsNos. 74, 78, 84 and 155 together.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Ltd 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 has already engaged in a proactive programme of consultation and communication with the residents in the vicinity of the stadium, with the aim of becoming aware of and dealing with their concerns from the outset. In this context a consultative forum, with an independent chairman, has been set up through Dublin City Council to act as a channel through which the residents' anxieties and fears can be made known, dealt with and resolved. As the project progresses through its various stages, regular information will be provided, in good time, both through this forum and directly to the residents associations.
In relation to the potential disruption of matches at the stadium, it is true that once the redevelopment work gets under way, the stadium will be unavailable for some part of that scheduled construction period. I am aware that the IRFU and the FAI have considered a number of contingency options for rugby and soccer matches during the period when the pitch will be unavailable. My Department is in regular liaison with both bodies through the Lansdowne Road Stadium Steering Group, and this, among many other matters, has been discussed. I am confident that when the time for a decision arrives the IRFU and FAI will choose the most attractive and gainful option which presents at that time.
In relation to the timescale for the project, a very good beginning has been made. Tenders have being issued to secure a design team and a project management team for the project and it is expected that both teams will be in place by early March 2005. The planning application process will be executed during 2005, it is expected that enabling works will happen during 2006and the main construction work during 2007 and 2008.
