Stadium costs jump by €65m

THE cost of the planned redevelopment of Lansdowne Road is believed to have jumped by €65m, although the taxpayer is unlikely to be asked to foot the additional bill.

According to the Sunday Business Post, the IRFU and FAI have recently advised the Government that the total cost of the redesigned Lansdowne Road will be €360m - an extra €65m over original estimates.

The Government has already promised both organisations that it will contribute €191m of public funds to the project.

Refusals by Lansdowne and Wanderers rugby clubs to give up leases on the back pitches, and expected objections from local residents, are understood to be the reasons behind the redrawing of the stadium’s design.

Meanwhile, proposals by Sports Minister John O’Donoghue for the development of new facilities at Abbotstown also face delays after Finance Minister Brian Cowen raised objections about the scale of the project.

Mr O’Donoghue is backing a €120m plan for extra facilities on the campus, which incorporates the National Aquatic Centre, to include natural and synthetic sports pitches and training grounds as well as an indoor training centre and medical facilities.

He has urged the Cabinet to fast forward the issue to have the campus for use by foreign athletes preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.