Ahern and Harney to discuss stadium deal

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, are due to meet today to discuss a possible compromise plan on the proposed National Stadium.

Mr Ahern will reportedly propose increased private sector investment in the project in an effort to convince Ms Harney to approve of the stadium at tomorrow’s cabinet meeting.

Increased financing from private sources would ease the burden on the taxpayer should the Government decide to press ahead with Stadium Ireland, which could cost around €1bn.

However, the PDs and some Fianna Fáil backbenchers are reportedly calling for the project to be shelved for 12 months because it would be an unjustifiable spending commitment at a time when cuts are being implemented across all departments.