Requests for the GAA to allow other sports to be played at Croke Park continue to arise.
Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue has called on the GAA to allow other sports to be played at Croke Park in the national interest.
The minister sent a strong signal to the GAA as he spelt out his position.
John O'Donoghue has again stated the government view that Ireland needs an alternative national sports stadium and the opening of Croke Park would not address this.
I think that the Irish sporting public will join with me when I say we do require an alternative stadium.
The GAA was not impressed by the minister's intervention describing the comments as unhelpful. The GAA position on Croke Park has not changed and any change is a matter for congress which meets next April.
These latest demands come just days after the Irish Rugby Football Union has proposed building a new stadium at Lansdowne Road. There is an extra sense of urgency around the redevelopment at Lansdowne Road as the Football Association of Ireland may not be able to play its home qualifying games for the 2006 World Cup there due to the capacity issue.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 December 2003. The reporter is Gareth O'Connor.
