Ireland’s bid to co-host the European soccer championships in 2008 have been given the go-ahead by the Government but, controversially, the GAA are central to the plan.
After 11th-hour talks in Government Buildings tonight, the Minister for Sport, Mr McDaid, emerged to say that the coalition partners and the Football Association of Ireland had agreed on a formula that will allow the FAI to put itself forward as a co-bidder with Scotland to host Euro 2008. The deadline for application is tomorrow.
However, while specific details of the discussions were not revealed a statement by Mr McDaid made it plain that the GAA-owned Croke Park was central to the plan.
In a statement tonight, Mr McDaid, said: "The Taoiseach has confirmed to the Scottish First Minister that Ireland is committed to supporting the preparation of a joint bid by the Scottish Football Association and the Football Association of Ireland to host the European Football Championship finals in 2008.
"Fundamental to this task is the planned provision of the necessary infrastructure and support organisation. In this context the government has been in communication with the various relevant organisations, including the GAA to request their support in making available the necessary facilities.
"The GAA has also, in its recently published strategic review, recommended that it should consider allowing the use of Croke Park by other codes, on an occasional basis, as soon as the redevelopment of the stadium is completed and the newly laid pitch has proved capable of accommodating a games programme."
Mr McDaid said the GAA planned to raise the issue of the use of Croke Park for other sports at its annual congress in April. A similar move recently, however, was rejected by members and earlier today the FAI said they were against using Croke Park.
However Mr McDaid went on: "Should these recommendations/motions be approved by its congress, the GAA have confirmed that they will then be in a position to consider the request to accommodate some of the European Championship games."
A steering group, already in existence to oversee the bidding process in Ireland, would now be "exploring a number of options as to how the stadium requirements can be met".
Following a day in which differences between the Tanaiste and Taoiseach over Mr Ahern’s pet project, Stadium Ireland, again came to the fore, there were fears that the dispute may derail the FAI’s hopes.
Ms Harney has made plain her opposition to Stadium Ireland on a number of occassions and today reiterated her belief that a redeveloped Lansdowne Road owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union and Croke Park should be the stadiums named in the bid.
The liklihood of Stadium Ireland ever being built will inevitably again come under scrutiny following tonight's developments. But the deadline for the final submission of FAI/SFA bid is not until May meaning the official declaration of which two stadiums should be used is not required until nearer the time.
Additional reporting PA