News article – Style E 3284

Following a joint delegation to the Minister for Sport, Mr John O’Donoghue
TD, last December, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Football Association
of Ireland (FAI) have today unveiled the design for the proposed new world-class
50,000 seater stadium at Lansdowne Road.

A computer generated image showing the stadium set into a photograph of the
surrounding area in Ballsbridge was developed by Arup Sport, a division of Arup
Consulting Engineers.

The design is for a totally new stadium within the precincts of the IRFU’s
property at Lansdowne Road. It is for an integrated structure comprising new
three tier structures for the East and West Stands and single tier stands at
the Lansdowne Road and Havelock Square ends.

Each of the four stands would be completely covered by an attractive, sweeping
translucent roof that would minimise the effects of poor weather on each of
the 50,000 spectators as they enjoy comfortable unobstructed views of the pitch
from any vantage point in the stadium. The attractive stadium would represent
a significant aesthetic improvement on the existing structure and is designed
to minimise the impact on local residents.

The IRFU & FAI were able to allay fears of any disruption to public transport
services along the adjoining railway line during the redevelopment phase. The
construction process provides for the continued smooth running of DART and rail
services without risk to passengers or staff. In fact, the new stadium would
benefit from much improved and safer pedestrian access as a result of walkways
under the railway line instead of the level crossing route. Spectators would
have easy access to the wider stadium precincts providing for relaxed congregation
around the stadium prior to and after matches.

Commenting on the plans the Chief Executive of the IRFU, Mr. Philip Browne,
said: Both Rugby and Soccer deserve this vote of confidence. Through the
exploits of our respective teams and loyal fans, between us we have positively
raised the profile of Ireland from Korea to Australia, from Argentina to Italy
and from the United States to South Africa in the name of sporting and human
achievement.

Mr Fran Rooney of the FAI said: We are seeking for a decision from Government
to invest in two of the nation’s most popular and successful sports on
the international stage. If it gets the go ahead the economic benefits to the
state will more than justify the investment of public funds. More importantly,
over the longer term we will improve the underlying health of this nation through
taking soccer and rugby participants to new heights of achievement at every
level of our respective sports.