Minister expected to deny delay in Lansdowne development

Sports Minister John O’Donoghue is expected to deny reports that the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road could be delayed for a number of years.

Reports have suggested that the plan to redevelop the stadium as a 50,000-capacity all-seat venue could be delayed until 2010 due to problems with asbestos removal.

However, Mr O’Donoghue is expected to deny that this is the case at a ceremony later today to unveil the formal agreement between the Government, the IRFU and FAI for developing the stadium.