Plans for "Sports Campus Ireland" to proceed immediately

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has announced plans to build a new national sports stadium in Dublin at a cost of £280 million. Commissioned by the Taoiseach's office, the plan recommends an open dome national stadium close to the M50 roundabout. The Government is to proceed immediately with plans to build the campus of sporting excellence, to be called "Sports Campus Ireland". The development will have as its centrepiece an 80,000 all-seated national stadium, capable of accommodating all field sports. It will also include an indoor arena.

This morning, the Taoiseach and Minister for Sport, Dr Jim McDaid, met with leaders of the top sporting organisations in the country, in order to discuss the feasibility study on the proposed stadium. The proposal represents a total investment of £281 million when completed. Limerick businessman JP McManus has invested £50 million as a gift. The 80,000-seat stadium will be in direct competition with the FAI's 45,000-seat arena at City West in County Dublin and with GAA plans for a £150 million expansion at Croke Park.