Rooney backs IRFU in asbestos claim rebuttal

FAI chief executive Fran Rooney has backed his IRFU counterpart Philip Browne by insisting there are no concerns surrounding the redevelopment of the Lansdowne Road stadium.

A report in today's Sunday Tribune said the completion of the €250m stadium refurbishment would be put on hold to allow specialists to remove asbestos from the West Stand at Lansdowne Road.

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Browne insisted there would be no risk to residents - and no delay to redevelopment work.

FAI boss Rooney added: “There are no issues in relation to the removal of asbestos sheeting from the West Stand of Lansdowne Road.

“The disposal of the asbestos sheeting will be carried out to the normal health and safety regulations and it will no impact on the stadium development schedule. Stadium redevelopment is due to be completed in late 2008.