Madam, – Is the IRFU’S objection to the free-to-air proposal just another example of its unwillingness to embrace social inclusion? The Aviva Stadium has 230 spaces for wheelchair supporters although our building regulations require it to have 500. The stadium was funded with about €200 million of public funds.
The stadium has 200 spaces for journalists. According to the stadium’s website this can be increased to 400 for major events. The National, and indeed International, Union of Journalists contributed absolutely nothing to the project.
Census figures indicate that there are 100 times more people with disabilities in this country than there are journalists. In the event that the Special Olympics are hosted at the stadium it will be able to accommodate twice as many journalists as usual but no additional wheelchair users.
Are we witnessing the creation of the golden circle of Irish rugby? Is that why the Aviva Stadium is shaped the way it is?
– Yours, etc,