IF THE proposed development, that embraces a stadium, goes ahead at the Phoenix Park, then Lansdowne Road will no longer be the venue for Ireland's home matches.

In a statement issued yesterday by the IRFU, the union made it clear that it is their belief "that the proposed Phoenix Park development represents the best opportunity of meeting the demands for a modern international rugby stadium."

Last week a delegation from the IRFU visited Kansas City for consultation with a firm of experts in ground development and land usage. This was to get a feasibility study on the development of the 90 acres site the union has acquired at Newlands Cross and the possibility of redeveloping Lansdowne Road to make it an all seater stadium capable of holding between 55,000 and 60,000 people. Because of the location of the ground, such a project is obviously not deemed possible.

The IRFU expressed the hope yesterday that the development at Phoenix Park will be complete to coincide with the 1999 Rugby World Cup, during which Ireland will host seven matches.

Planning permission has still to be granted for the Phoenix Park development, but it appears that the IRFU will obtain a long term lease or maybe more likely an option to buy the stadium.

IRFU president Syd Millar said "All options have been explored and we see this proposed move as being in the best interests of the union and the game. Of course it will be sad if Lansdowne Road is no longer the venue. But we will endeavour to retain the ground as a rugby stadium."