Lansdowne dispute resolved

THE row between the IRFU and the Wanderers rugby club, which threatened to delay the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, was resolved last night.

The club this week applied for an injunction in the High Court to halt the planned demolition of its pavilion within the grounds as part of the Union’s plans to build a new €365 million stadium.

Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, who heard the application, said that she hoped to be able to give judgment “before the end of the week.”

However yesterday the two parties agreed to a settlement and the action was dismissed in the High Court.

In a statement the IRFU expressed disappointment that the matter had taken so long to be resolved.

“The legal action taken by the Wanderers FC seeking to prevent the IRFU redeveloping the stadium at Lansdowne Road was dismissed in the High Court today following a settlement between the IRFU and Wanderers FC,’’ the statement read.

“It is a disappointment to the IRFU and the rugby community that Wanderers FC chose to take this matter to the Courts after two years of negotiations when, in the IRFU’s opinion, the matter should have been settled months ago.

“The focus is now on the development of the new stadium at Lansdowne Road and to ensure that this important project now proceeds on schedule.’’

In a statement issued last night, Wanderers said they were pleased with the outcome.

“Wanderers Football Club is pleased that an agreement has been reached between the Club and the Irish Rugby Football Union on all issues relating to the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and Wanderers Football Club.

“All legal proceedings have now been withdrawn.

“Wanderers has enjoyed a long and distinguished history as part of Lansdowne Road for over a century and the club now looks forward to a future in the new re-developed stadium.”

A source close to the deal described it as a “fair and equitable agreement” adding that both parties will be satisfied with the outcome.

In an affidavit to the court the Chief Executive of the IRFU Mr Philip Browne said that Wanderers cannot continued to have “a veto” over the plans to redevelop Lansdowne Road, which will be of benefit to both rugby and soccer in Ireland.

He also pointed out that during the negotiations Wanderers were offered terms, in relation to the location of a new facility within the newly developed Lansdowne Road and the use of a corporate box, but they had not been accepted.

Meanwhile an auction of Lansdowne Road memorabilia commences online this morning at 9am.

Items up for auction include the Irish President’s seat, old style entry turnstiles, signs, seats from various positions in the stadium along with ten signed jerseys from the 2007 Triple Crown-winning squad.

There are 360 lots on offer and bidding closes on Monday, at 1pm.

Auctioneers, Bache Treharne, have worked with the IRFU to prepare a selection of these items from the existing stadium. For the full catalogue log on to: www.lansdowneroadauction.ie