The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has noted the contents of statements made both by the Government and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in relation to the making of a joint bid by the FAI and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to host the European Football Championship Finals in 2008.

The IRFU has been happy for many years to provide Lansdowne Road as a venue for the FAI to host international soccer matches and there are arrangements to continue this into the future.

In relation to the question of Lansdowne Road being used as one of the two required stadia for hosting the 2008 European Championships, the IRFU has had several meetings with the FAI and its consultants and the IRFU is happy to continue its discussions with the FAI and the Steering Group which is preparing the bid document for submission to UEFA by 31st May next.

In the course of these meetings the IRFU has made it clear that any plans for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road to meet the all seated requirements of UEFA are a matter for the IRFU and any such proposals, which would likely significantly reduce the already limited capacity of Lansdowne Road, could only be developed in the context of the Government following through on its statement of 31st January last that it remains convinced that a Stadium project at Abbotstown is both desirable and feasible. The IRFU has previously stated its support for a National Stadium at Abbotstown.

The IRFU will be meeting shortly with the Minister of Tourism, Sport and Recreation to discuss this matter further.