The Labour Party claimed today the proposal to seek public funding for the National Stadium would result in the State "gifting" nearly 500 acres of public land to private investors.
This morning the Government published adverts in a number of national newspapers, inviting "expressions of interest" in private sector funding for a national stadium at Abbottstown.
The 65,000 capacity all-seater stadium at the 500-acre site in north west Dublin must be completed and in compliance by UEFA and FIFA standards by June 2007, it .
says Mr Pat Rabbitte, Labour Party finance spokesman, said the Government had "deliberately crafted" the advert to leave open the prospect of the State giving the land to whoever would agree to build the stadium.
The 500-acre site is worth between €250 million and €300 million, he said. He estimated that a stadium would require about 12 acres, and that the associated National Aquatic Centre would also take up a few acres, meaning only 20 acres or so would actually be required for the project.
"Is it proposed that we donate 480 acres of State land in a prime location five miles from the city centre beside the M50 to Bertie Ahern's friends?" he asked.
Applicants are asked to detail their proposals for the size and use of facilities at the site, their financial and technical ability to complete the construction and their plans for the day-to-day running of the stadium once it has been finished.
The advert says the process is designed to test the waters for interest in the project and to aid in deciding whether or not a formal public tender process will be begin.
