Lansdowne Road redevelopment: The IRFU and FAI formally announced their arranged marriage yesterday by the DART track under the West Stand at Lansdowne Road. It is to be the site of their new residence. Rugby, as it were, is staying at home and soccer is officially and legally moving in.

The long courtship has finally blossomed with the announcement of the new Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Ltd. Already it is spreading the good news that it will deliver a pristine, 50,000-seat stadium in just over four years' time.

The company and project director, Willie Ryan, anticipate planning application will be lodged in late 2005 and construction of the new stadium and pitch, on the same orientation as the current one, will begin about 12 months later, in late 2006. The completion of the work has been set for the end of 2008.

Under the terms of the agreement between the two federations, they have entered a joint venture with a 50-per-cent equal share, although the IRFU are providing funds of €68 million, the FAI €33 million and the state 191 million.

In a mood that was airy and optimistic, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, and the IRFU and FAI presidents, Barry Keogh and Milo Corcoran, presented the arrangement in its best possible light and there was obvious satisfaction that the project has finally assumed a structure with a beginning and end in sight.

"We are making a statement that the new Ireland is progressive and dynamic," said Keogh.

"This is an historic day for sport in Ireland and an historic day for football," added Corcoran.

The stadium and all its facilities will be to an "enhanced" standard with high aesthetic quality and will meet all international standards for rugby and soccer. The pitch will also be adequate to accommodate Gaelic games, which require a greater area than rugby and soccer.

But there were a few outstanding issues such as asbestos, residents, and what will happen to the soccer and rugby international matches during the two-year construction phase.

The issue of the asbestos roof, which covers the West Stand and the removal of which has been portrayed in the media as a potential health hazard that could cause serious delays in construction, was dismissed by both the Minister and the IRFU chief executive, Philip Browne.

"That will not delay things. It is not going to give rise to any delays," said O'Donoghue.

"It won't be a problem," said Browne.

The hurdle of planning application and the potential for objections from local residents had a less exact timetable, although there was consensus that it would be resolved within the timescale laid down.

"There is a possibility of objections. The IRFU and FAI have consulted with residents and explained things fully. All we can do is look at it as logically as we can. We can't be certain about anything in life," said the Sports Minister.

Browne and the IRFU are already talking to potentially hostile groups.

"We are currently engaged with the residents. We have to engage with the community and build in their concerns," said Browne. "Next week we've set up a meeting with residents' groups."

Browne added the union had no intention of purchasing properties around the ground to make planning and construction easier, though they are looking at a strip of land beside the Dodder, which is needed for Wanderers Rugby Club, who currently play on the pitch behind the East Stand.

The more highly charged issue of where the Irish teams will play international fixtures was also addressed. Given a construction time of at least 24 months, the FAI and IRFU will be homeless for at least two seasons. O'Donoghue was not in favour of international fixtures involving Ireland being taken abroad.

"The GAA might decide to facilitate the organisation," said O'Donoghue. "I would be very concerned that fixtures would be held outside the jurisdiction. The FAI and IRFU would have to explore every avenue before such a radical move (to play outside Ireland) could be contemplated."

In respect of the GAA using the completed Lansdowne Road for matches that might not fill the larger Croke Park, O'Donoghue seemed to be on surer ground.

"We've had contact with the GAA about the possibility of using Lansdowne Road and the response was positive," he said. "I would be fairly confident that they will (use Lansdowne Road)."

The estimated cost of the project is €250 million in current prices, though it is anticipated that figure will grow to close to €300 million by the time the construction is finished.

The standard of the facilities will be broadly equivalent to those at Croke Park, although clearly smaller.

Around 64 corporate boxes and 8,000 premium seats will be provided as well as substantially improved back-of-house facilities for players as well as spectators.

Over the coming months the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company, of which Philip Browne will be chairman, will begin the procurement process for design and project-management teams. The company will also have responsibility for the running of the stadium when it is completed.

Government spend: ... €191 million

IRFU spend: ... €68 million

FAI spend: ... €33 million

Total cost: ... €250-300 million

Planning application: ... late 2005

Construction begins: ... late 2006

Completion date: ... late 2008

Capacity (all seated): ... 50,000

Lifespan: ... 30 years