Ahern in talks with GAA president
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is meeting GAA president Sean McCague at government buildings this evening, with the issue of funding expected to top the agenda.
Mr Ahern promised to give the GAA around €76m on the night before its Congress voted to support the Stadium Ireland project, but there are now fears that the funding could be withheld.
Part of the grant, due in July this year, was not paid and, following the decision to withhold Exchequer funding for the stadium scheme, the GAA fears up to half the money may not be forthcoming.
The GAA declined to comment ahead of tonight's meeting, but it is understood to be concerned that a withdrawal of funding could affect the last stage of the development of Croke Park.
There is also speculation that the Government may use the money as a bargaining chip to convince the GAA to allow Croke Park to be used in the Irish-Scottish bid for the European Championships in 2004.
