GAA in Lansdowne Road?
Published: 29 January, 2003
The possibility of GAA games being played in Lansdowne Road Stadium was raised at a public meeting last night. The size of the pitch will accommodate all field sport including GAA games, according to IRFU representative Philip Browne. Speaking at the meeting last night Sinn Féin's Daithí Doolan welcomed the proposed 300 million Euro development while also pointing out that there's more than bricks and mortar to be considered. "We must ensure this development benefits the whole community not just the owners of the stadium. I propose a holistic approach to this development that must include representatives from Dublin City Council, CIE, IRFU, FAI and most importantly, residents associations. To ensure this is a success independent resources from the IRFU must be made available to residents groups. This process could easily be facilitated by Dublin City Council who have the resources and mandate to do so." While local residents were generally in support of the proposed development, concerns were raised regarding the height of the structure, duration of the construction phase, and ongoing effects of traffic. "There is also the issue of events which were to be held in the Stadium during the construction phase. Each international game played at Lansdowne Road Stadium brings 100 million Euro to Dublin. It is imperative the government make provision for these games to be played in Dublin during the two and a half years of construction of our new stadium. One option would be if the government were to lease Croke Park for these events." In conclusion Doolan said, "This meeting has been very constructive and rewarding and I congratulate all those involved including residents and the IRFU. This is the first of many meetings to ensure the success of this project for everyone. "
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