Lansdowne development hits stumbling block
Thursday, 16 February 2006 11:45The proposed redevelopment of Lansdowne Road hit a potential stumbling block yesterday after Wanderers, one of two tenant clubs at the stadium, voiced their concerns to Dublin City Council.
The club, whose 'pavilion' is sited in the stadium, announced they have yet to reach an agreement with the IRFU for the provision of alternative facilities when the pavilion is demolished.
They also point out that they have a licence that runs until 2017, which includes a licence for the use of the playing pitches.
The IRFU responded by issuing a statement of its own, expressing the organisation's disappointment that the current impasse had been brought into the public arena 'despite lengthy negotiations and the offer of a very generous compensation package'.
The package includes:
A replacement, fully equipped clubhouse within the existing Lansdowne Road grounds.
* Complimentary use of a hospitality suite for international rugby matches throughout the lifespan of the new stadium.
* Financial compensation for loss of income to cover the period during which the club will not have the use of Lansdowne Road because of its re-construction.
* An offer to provide a financial grant to make improvements to Wanderers' Merrion Road clubhouse and grounds.
* An extension of licence agreement beyond 2017 at Lansdowne Road for the life span of the new stadium.
Work on the ¤365 million redevelopment of the stadium is scheduled to start early next year, subject to planning permission, with the project due to be completed within 27 months.
