Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with the various sporting organisations following the decision on the national stadium; if he has had further negotiations with particular reference to Abbotstown or other locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10571/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with the various sporting bodies with a view to ensuring the provision of adequate stadium space to meet the needs of all sporting bodies in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10907/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 273 together.
The Government decided at its meeting on 27 January 2004 to approve the provision of substantial funding towards the IRFU/FAI proposals to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium as a 50,000 seat state-of-the-art stadium. This proposal was brought to the Government following consideration of a joint proposal by the IRFU and the FAI to meet the stadium infrastructure deficit for the playing of soccer and rugby matches. On the same day I met representatives of the IRFU, the FAI and the GAA to convey the Government's decision. The project to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium is proceeding and no further discussions regarding other stadium sites are proposed. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Government has also decided to proceed with the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown.
