The Government has today (10 Sept, 2002) decided that in current circumstances, it is not in a position to provide any Exchequer funding, in the medium term, for a National Stadium.
Consequently, the Government has asked the Department of Finance and its agencies, including the Office of Public Works and the NTMA, and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism to explore the possibility of private sector funding of a National Stadium at Abbotstown in the context of proposals for development at the Abbotstown site. Such proposals would be considered on the basis that Exchequer financing would not be available in the medium term.
Having regard to the national significance of the UEFA bid by Ireland and Scotland, the Government intends to request the GAA to allow the use of Croke Park, on a once-off basis, for the games to be played in Ireland in June 2008 as part of the UEFA bid.
ENDS