Euro 2008 organisers well on track for successful bid

TECHNICAL inspection of the Scotland/Ireland bid for Euro 2008 begins in Dublin this September, with the organisers believing they are well on track for a successful bid.

The process will include viewing of Croke Park, which was submitted as part of the bid, and Stadium Ireland, which has yet to make it from blueprint. Despite these obstacles, those involved are confident preparations are going well. “As Croke Park was submitted as part of the bid, it will be included as part of the technical inspection,” said Brendan Menton, FAI chief executive. “They may wish to view some stadia as part of their inspection. When the inspectors arrive, we will be able to show them details of Stadium Ireland. The commitment has been made by the Government in its Programme for Government, with a minimum capacity of 60,000. We will also be able to show them the redevelopment plans for Lansdowne Road, which will be redeveloped into a 35,000-seater stadium.”

That development, or redevelopment, work hasn’t begun on either stadia Ireland is not a point of concern. “It is not unusual for stadia to be in the planning and development stage when a bid is being made. There are still some grounds in Portugal yet to be completed for 2004.”