Sir, - It is interesting that the FAI and IRFU are investigating building their own stadiums at no cost to the taxpayer, but I wonder if the cat has been let out of the bag with regard to the figures put forward by Sonas Centre Ltd for the proposed 63,000 seater stadium on the site of the old Phoenix Park racecourse.
The figures put forward by the FAI for a State of the Art stadium show the cost at £600.00 per seat. When applied to the Sonas proposal, this means that the stadium would be built for £37.8 million.
The Sonas proposal is on hold until after the general election but, given that they are seeking £27 million of taxpayer's money to build their stadium (May 14th) and that it is being used as an incentive for the Government. To issue a casino licence to them, it is now clear that in reality this incentive would be funded in the main by the taxpayers. Hopefully, the same taxpayers will now be aware of the generosity expected of them so that Ireland can have a slot machine casino. - Yours, etc.,
Deerpark Road, Castleknock,
Dublin 15.