Sporting bodies disappointed at stadium decision
Irish sporting bodies have reacted with disappointment to yesterday’s news that the Taoiseach’s controversial Stadium Ireland project is now effectively on hold.
The cabinet has refused to fund the stadium out of taxpayers’ money and the only way the project can now go ahead is with funding from private businessmen.
The FAI has refused to officially comment on the development until after a management meeting on Friday, but the organisation was undoubtedly angered by yesterday’s decision. The FAI had dropped plans to build its own stadium, Eircom Park, after the Government convinced it to come on board the Stadium Ireland venture.
The IRFU said it feels let down by the Government following yesterday’s news, adding that it will now look at its options and focus on what is best for Irish rugby.
In an effort to keep Ireland and Scotland’s joint bid for the European Championships in 2008 on the rails, the Taoiseach has asked the GAA to consider a one-off waiving of the ban on soccer in Croke Park.
UEFA officials are due in Ireland later this month to inspect sporting facilities and infrastructure as part of the assessment of the Irish-Scottish bid. GAA president Sean McCague said yesterday that he will not stop UEFA from inspecting Croke Park, but added that he will inform the organisation of the GAA’s stance on soccer being played at the stadium.
