Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2007
70 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will expand on his recent comments regarding his hope that Croke Park would be made available for soccer and rugby beyond 2007 and 2008; the expected scenarios that would arise if the GAA do not grant such permission; if he has had discussions with the GAA, the FAI and the IRFU regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11734/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question of the GAA continuing with its policy of accommodating rugby and soccer in Croke Park is one for the GAA alone to decide. It has always been my policy not to interfere in this matter. I pay tribute to the GAA for agreeing to accommodate international rugby and soccer matches in Croke Park in 2007. I commend the association on its decision of 17 February last, which will allow for the use of Croke Park for rugby and soccer internationals in 2008. The Lansdowne Road stadium will not be completed until 2009 and may not be available for games until 2010. I would hope the GAA would be in a position to accommodate the FAI and the IRFU in 2009. This would benefit all sporting fans in ensuring that important international fixtures are accommodated on Irish soil.
In January 2004, the Government agreed to provide funding of €191 million to the joint IRFU-FAI project for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium as a 50,000-capacity all-seater stadium. The recent decision taken by An Bord Pleanála has now cleared the wayfor the redevelopment to commence. The Lansdowne Road facility will be out of commission for a period. A welcome agreement has been reached between the GAA, IRFU and the FAI with regard to international rugby and soccer fixtures in 2007 and 2008. Whether a similar agreement can be reached in 2009 is a matter for the three organisations involved.
The staging of the Six Nations rugby internationals against France and England at Croke Park was a resounding success. Furthermore, Ireland's European Championship qualifier against Wales on Saturday, before a crowd of more than 70,000 spectators and watched by many more at home, was another historic occasion. I am particularly pleased these matches have given international exposure to the GAA and Croke Park. No longer is the facility Ireland's best kept secret but rather a stadium which is the envy of the world. I look forward to further great entertainment when the remaining international rugby and the soccer fixtures take place there over the next two years. Tonight, I hope we will be celebrating at the expense of our friends from Slovakia.
Hear, hear.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
