News article – Style E 3300

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Football Association of Ireland warmly
welcome today’s announcement of approval for the redevelopment of Lansdowne
Road and wishes to emphasise their appreciation to the Government; Mr. John O’Donoghue
TD, Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism and to the wider sporting community,
which has also been seen to give its support to the proposal.

The news is a vote of confidence by the Government for Irish rugby, soccer
and sport in general, as Ireland will benefit greatly by the construction of
a modern, state of the art 50,000 seater capacity sports arena at Lansdowne
Road.

The go-ahead for the new stadium, with an anticipated completion date of 2008,
ensures that sporting and other events at the new stadium will continue to play
a critical role in generating significant revenues to the National and Local
economies.

Philip Browne, Chief Executive of the IRFU says: Today’s vote of
confidence in Lansdowne Road enduring as one of the most renowned and popular
venues in European sport is great news for the IRFU and for Ireland. We greatly
appreciate the support of the Government in endorsing our ambition that Irish
rugby and sport in general should have the facility of a stadium of this standard
and magnitude. We believe that enormous benefits will accrue as a consequence.

Fran Rooney of the FAI said the decision to proceed with the stadium development
will have long-term positive benefits for football throughout Ireland. The
Stadium provides a really positive platform to develop all aspects of the game
for future generations, said Rooney. The willingness to support
a new National Coaching Centre and Academy is also a very positive statement
from Government reflecting a really practical commitment to the development
of young people in sport, he added.

With the funding secured the IRFU and FAI’s immediate concern is to prepare
the planning applications and proceed with the objective of having the new stadium
completed as soon as possible. At all stages of the development process the
project team will work closely with local residents in developing a stadium
which will greatly enhance the district for the betterment of those who live
and work there as well as for advancing the cause of Irish sporting achievement
both nationally and internationally.