Govt delays decision on Stadium Ireland

The Tanaiste and the Taoiseach have both conceded that the current Government will not make a final decision on the fate of the controversial Stadium Ireland project.

Mary Harney said today that she believes the decision will be left to the next administration, an assertion repeated by Bertie Ahern.

However, Ms Harney insisted that there is no rift between Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats over the stadium plans, which have been severely criticised by an independent consultants’ firm. High Point Rendel said the project is likely to cost €1.1bn if it goes ahead as an 80,000-seater stadium.

Mary Harney’s comments today contrast sharply with statements made by Sports Minister Jim McDaid last night. Mr McDaid said the Government had approved the Stadium Ireland project, but conceded that the plans would probably be scaled down because of worries over the massive cost.

Ms Harney, on the other hand, said nothing has been agreed yet and probably won’t be until after the upcoming election. The Tanaiste said she and her colleagues need more time to discuss the independent report, which, she said, vindicated her initial concerns about the rising costs of project.