Lansdowne Road Redevelopment Thread

**republic** · 27/01/2004, 2:40 PM

Breaking News from RTE

(15:09) The Cabinet has taken a decision on the location of the new National Stadium.

RTÉ News understands the Government will approve the development of a 50,000 seater stadium at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

It is also understood the Government will announce a phased development of a sporting campus at Abbotstown in Dublin.

The Minister for Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, is expected to hold a media conference this afternoon to make an announcement.

**John83** · 27/01/2004, 2:54 PM

Anyone remember the episode of the Simpsons where Homer wins his negotiations as Union boss with Mr. Burns?

I'd probably do that now, except there are about thirty random punters in the same room as me.

**MikeW** · 27/01/2004, 2:59 PM

I'll only believe it when I see the builders laying the foundations for the place. Even if this is true and they have actually made a decision (praise the lord), there's still a mountain of obstacles that could potentially get in the way.

**brendy_éire** · 27/01/2004, 3:08 PM

Hurrah! Let's see if it can be finished by the time the Luas is up and running.

**finlma** · 27/01/2004, 3:10 PM

Originally posted by republic
It is also understood the Government will announce a phased development of a sporting campus at Abbotstown in Dublin.

I wonder what this "sporting campus" entails. Probably a field with a few cones knowing our government

Good news on Lansdowne though!!

**Plastic Paddy** · 27/01/2004, 3:17 PM

Is there a doctor in the house?

(Thumping sound as PP keels over...)

PP

**MikeW** · 27/01/2004, 3:23 PM

Originally posted by finlma
I wonder what this "sporting campus" entails. Probably a field with a few cones knowing our government

They're going to build an obstacle course out there, then they're going to bundle Slim Harney into the back of a van ouside the Dail in the dead of night and force her to hop through tyres on the ground, shimmy along a set of monkey bars, climb over large walls etc. All the while Bertie will be firing an AK-47 inches above her head to keep her keen.

I also hear they've also hired Lee Ermey from Full Metal Jacket to be her Drill Instructor - "Get the f*** off of my obstacle Private Harney, get the f*** down off of my obstacle".

"Oh that's right, Private Harney, don't make any f***ing effort to get to the top of the f***ing obstacle! If God would have wanted you up there he would have miracled your ass up there by now, wouldn't he? "

Sorry I couldn't resist another pop at Slim.

**John83** · 27/01/2004, 3:30 PM

Originally posted by MikeW
"Get the f*** off of my obstacle Private Harney, get the f*** down off of my obstacle".

I don't think she's privatised herself just yet. I'm sure it's on the agenda though.

**Robinski** · 27/01/2004, 3:47 PM

At least a decision (and a positive one at that) has finally been made.

Fair play to the IRFU and the FAI for putting on the pressure.

**finlma** · 27/01/2004, 3:52 PM

The question now is will the bigots in the gaa let the "foreign sports" be played there for 4 years.

Unlikely I'd say.

**Peadar** · 27/01/2004, 4:23 PM

Ok so we've got the decision we wanted, now the planning issues need to be addressed. After that how soon can we expect construction to start? During the construction both the IRFU and the FAI will be homeless. The only legitimate alternative on this island is Croke Park. Can any level headed GAA members think of reasonable justification to deny temporary access to the FAI and or the IRFU?

P.s. I think the IRFU have been very professional about all this and deserve great credit for getting the project this far.

**liamon** · 27/01/2004, 4:24 PM

I just hope the planning process runs reasonably smoothly. Chances are, this won't get up and running for years if the planning thing drags on.

And would the next government support this plan?

God, I'm a pessimist.

**gspain** · 27/01/2004, 4:35 PM

Brilliant stuff.!!!!!!

**pineapple stu** · 27/01/2004, 4:43 PM

Does it count as a definite strategy that the Irish Government have plans to upgrade the ground?! Might still be playing in Engerland!

"Yes, Mr. UEFA person - we will be able to stage EURO2008 in Croke Park - the Government's working on it right now..."

**Beavis** · 27/01/2004, 5:38 PM

Originally posted by Peadar

P.s. I think the IRFU have been very professional about all this and deserve great credit for getting the project this far.

Probably but I'm really starting to warm to Fran Rooney.Think he genuinely has the football fans interests at heart.

The new Lansdowne will may also be available to the GAA and presumbably the Government hope that this will sway the final vote on Rule 42 (which is being held in April).

**Macy** · 28/01/2004, 8:10 AM

The build time is 2 years - they're not planning on starting till 2006, so are allowing 2 years for planning....

**liamon** · 28/01/2004, 8:34 AM

Originally posted by Beavis
The new Lansdowne will may also be available to the GAA and presumbably the Government hope that this will sway the final vote on Rule 42 (which is being held in April).

The GAA already have a large stadium somewhere in Dublin, which they are struggling to fill. As I understand it, they ned to increase use of this facility, and are nowhere maximum usage. Can't see them switching big games anywhere else.

**pete** · 28/01/2004, 10:20 AM

Stunned that the people we elected to manage the country actually made a decision.

Credit to Fran Rooney for nicely playing the PR battle. He did well to put the pressure on the government in the last couple of months & liked the way he agreed in principle to all this training centre lark at Abbotstown in the full knowledge that it probably never happoen & government just needed the agreement to justify the wasted expense at Abbotstown.

As far as i can see the design deliberately takes into consideration the neighbours around Lansdowne so even allowing for this being Ireland would be surprised if too many delays. Seen reporter on RTE doing his piece from the Landsdowne Rd street end a few days ago & can clearly see be no "light" issues from that side.

**Bald Student** · 28/01/2004, 10:25 AM

Also in today's indo:

It was confirmed last night that Lansdowne Road will host Ireland's home games in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers after FIFA gave the green light last night for the continued use of temporary seating at the venue.

so more good news then.

**Peadar** · 28/01/2004, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by Bald Student
It was confirmed last night that Lansdowne Road will host Ireland's home games in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers

so more good news then.

That means that we'll need an alternative venue for the Euro 2008 qualifiers only.