Unanimous welcome for decision on Lansdowne Road

Three of Ireland’s major sporting bodies today welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to uphold Dublin City Council’s decision to grant permission to build a new 50,000-seater stadium in Lansdowne Road, Dublin.

“We are delighted that An Bord Pleanála has supported Dublin City Council’s decision to grant permission for the New Stadium,” said FAI Chief Executive Officer, John Delaney.

“The project is absolutely critical to the successful development of football long into the future.”

The GAA stated that today marks a significant milestone in the provision of sporting infrastructure in Ireland.

The Association confirmed that it is committed to hosting soccer and rugby internationals in Croke Park in 2007 and 2008 and that the 2005 Congress decision to host internationals in HQ still applies, subject to agreements between the parties involved.

The IRFU outlined the importance of the project for the future well being of the whole of Irish rugby.

“The Irish Rugby Football Union is delighted by the positive decision from An Bord Pleanála regarding the re-development of the new stadium at Lansdowne Road,” said Philip Browne IRFU chief executive.

“We believe that the go-ahead for the re-development of a state of the art stadium is a fitting testimony to the game of rugby in Ireland and that it will also be a tremendous boost for Dublin City in terms of potential revenues emanating from the staging of major rugby and soccer events. In this regard we look forward to working with our FAI partners.”