More pertinent questions on the viability of the FAI's proposed new stadium, Eircom Park are expected to be tabled at a board of management meeting in Dublin today.
In spite of categoric assurances by the association's chief executive, Bernard O'Byrne, that they were still operating well within budget, several members are still concerned about the escalating costs of a project which hasn't yet got planning permission.
And they fear that the statement of the Minister for Defence, Michael Smith in midweek, that the Government is considering the possibility of developing the nearby Casement military airdrome for civilian flights, may complicate that process still further.
In particular, they want the top table to spell out the choices available in the context of the proposed National Stadium at Abbotstown being completed on schedule in 2005.
Worried by renewed speculation that the final bill for Eircom Park could be closer to £100 million than the £65 million originally stated, and the prospect of the bulk of the association's revenue going to the servicing of the debt over the next 10 to 15 years, they are demanding a new debate on the viability of the project.
"What we need is for people to spell out the choices in clear, unequivocal terms," said one. "We want to know not only the debts but the full extent of the association's liabilities in the processing the ground work. If at the end of all that, there is a clear majority for the project, then I'm certain everyone will row in behind it."
The association's stance is that the figures originally mentioned for the construction of the stadium stack up and that planning permission will be forthcoming once the fears of local resident organisations have been assuaged.
