Plans for E250m stadium submitted

THE FAI and IRFU submitted plans for a new 50,000 all-seater stadium development at Lansdowne Road to be completed by 2008 to the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism John O’Donoghue yesterday.

The submission indicated that the cost of the proposed development at the Ballsbridge venue would be E250m at present-day prices.

A joint contribution from both sporting organisations would account for approximately a third of the overall cost. It was also outlined that over 85m of the project costs would return to the Exchequer in VAT, PAYE and PRSI returns arising from the initial construction phase.