Govt approves Lansdowne development

The Minister for Sport, John O'Donoghue, has announced the Government has approved plans from the FAI and IRFU for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road.

The Cabinet are to allocate €167m towards the building of the new national stadium on the existing site at Lansdowne Road.

The total cost will be around €250m.

Work is set to start on the 50,000-seat stadium shortly and it is hoped it will be finished by 2008.

A transparent roof is also to be built on the stadium.

It brings to an end the long running debate on the national stadium and the ambitious plans for a national stadium at Abbotstown.

Abbotstown will now be developed as a sports campus with medical, research and training support for elite athletes and facilities for smaller sports bodies including pitches and training grounds.

An indoor area is also planned and will be provided with private sector support.