IRFU and FAI Discuss Stadium Proposal with Minister O’Donoghue

The IRFU and the FAI met yesterday (Tuesday 16th) with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism,
Mr John O’Donoghue TD to discuss the issue of a new stadium development
at Lansdowne Road.

A joint delegation from both sporting bodies including Chief Executive Philip
Browne and Noel Murphy of the IRFU, Chief Executive Officer Fran Rooney and
Treasurer John Delaney of the FAI discussed the 50,000 all seater proposal.

The proposal put forward indicated that the cost of the proposed development
at Lansdowne Road at present day prices was 250 million and that the joint
contribution from the IRFU and the FAI would be approximately one third. Over
85 million of the total cost of the project will also return to the exchequer
in VAT, PAYE and PRSI returns arising from the initial construction phase.

The timetable for completion of the project, if approved, would be 2008.

The delegation emphasised to the Minister the urgency of the situation as well
as the significant ongoing economic benefits arising from the new larger stadium.
Both organisations also indicated that decisions on other key issues were being
delayed as a result of the delay in making a decision on the stadium.