Stadium Development: The ongoing stand-off between the IRFU and Wanderers RFC is just one of 43 issues Dublin City Council have requested clarification on from the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (LRSDC).
The city council noted that Wanderers, while supporting plans for a new stadium, had yet to reach an agreement with the IRFU regarding the demolition of the club's pavilion at the north west end of the ground. The club have a licence from the IRFU to use the pavilion and playing pitches until 2017.
The IRFU confirmed yesterday the impasse remains concentrated on Wanderers seeking to ring-fence their international ticket allocation (approximately 450 per season) for the life-span of the stadium.
"There are no immediate plans for a meeting," said IRFU spokesman John Redmond, "the IRFU are ready to talk but the ball is firmly in Wanderers's court.
"We would also like to clarify the deal offered to Wanderers is exactly the same deal offered to the other co-tenants, Lansdowne, and they signed five weeks ago."
The 43 objections on the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road come from local residence groups, politicians and individuals who voiced concerns in 135 "observations" to the city council. There are separate objections from 110 individual households in the area, although 21 sporting organisations, including Wanderers, support the proposal.
Green Party TD John Gormley "generally supports the scheme" but is widely supported in describing the demolition of 70 Shelbourne Road as "unnecessary." All the objections must be addressed by the LRSDC before planning permission can be granted.
Considering the construction period has been estimated at 27 months, a number of objectors have focused on the LRSDC seeking planning permission for 10 years.
"The normal length for planning permission is usually five years but there is nothing to be read into a request for 10 years," explained LRSDC spokesman Roddy Guiney. "The company just felt it would be prudent to request 10 years in the event of any unforeseen activity arising."
Other clarifications sought by Dublin City Council include the potential for lowering the pitch to reduce the stadium scale (currently 48 metres in height) and the removal of asbestos when dismantling the stands.
"I can categorically confirm that there is no asbestos problem," continued Guiney. "There is no evidence of asbestos in the East Stand and in the West Stand it is just a case of removing the asbestos tiles.
"Sinking of the whole stadium was considered but such a practice proved unworkable, what with the high water table of the surrounding area. The footprints of the stadium are already in place and it would not be possible to address such a huge undertaking."
Clarification is also required about potential disruption to Dart services or the closure of Lansdowne Road station during the demolition/construction phases.
The city council does request closing the station prior to major internationals as the new underpass would be unable to handle the anticipated flow of pedestrians.
A new Dart station forecourt is proposed within the plans for the 50,000 all-seater stadium - which also include a management building and 200-space underground car-park - but a new footbridge across the Dodder will need to be added to the plans.
The LRSRC have six months to respond but are expected to do so in the coming weeks in order to stay on course for work to begin in January, 2007.
"We are working away on it currently but it is too early to say when the reply will be complete. Obviously there is a need to complete this as quickly as possible but it will be a week to 10 days before a completion date is known," added Guiney.
Even if planning permission is granted, appeals can be submitted to An Bord Pleanála.
