Rooney attempts to drum up stadium support

In a frank letter, dated Tuesday January 13, which was posted to a large proportion of clubs and coaches around the country, Rooney also highlighted future plans for the association under his helm, including a technical development plan and a National Coaching centre project.

The correspondence read, “I am writing to ask you and your members to make representations to your political representatives on the issue of the Stadium development as soon as possible.

“The constituency of all of us connected with the game in Ireland is a very powerful lobby group and it is important that the political system understands the depth of feeling we have for football matters and the volume of our collective voices. It is important that we make the stadium the first issue that we as the football community bring actively to their attention.

“The FAI met with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O’Donoghue TD and his officials in December to discuss the issue of a new stadium development. We have also submitted with the IRFU a plan for a new 50,000 all seater stadium at Lansdowne Road.

“The proposal indicated that the cost of the development at Lansdowne Road at present day prices was €250 million and that the joint contribution from the IRFU and the FAI would be approximately one third. Over €85 million of the total cost of the project will also return to the exchequer in VAT, PAYE and PRSI returns arising from the initial construction phase. The timetable for completion of the project, if approved, would be 2008.

“We understand that the Government will also consider other proposals.

“We emphasised to the Minister the urgency of the situation, not just in relation to the upcoming World Cup fixtures programme, but particularly in regard to the development of the game at all levels.

“With the Association’s blueprint for the future of the game through the Technical Development Plan nearing completion, the issue of a new National Coaching Centre is one which we need to address as a priority along with the construction of a new National headquarters for the FAI. Decisions on these important issues are being delayed as a result of the lack of a decision by Government in respect of the Stadium.

“At every opportunity, privately and publicly, I have stressed to the highest levels of Government the urgency of making a decision on the Stadium and I hope that the Cabinet will shortly make a decision in this regard. It is unacceptable that this issue has dragged on for so long.

“I would urge you and your members and all connected with the game to encourage your political representatives, locally and nationally, to support the need for a cabinet decision to be made urgently. Writing, calling or e-mailing your Councillor, TDs, Senator, MEP can make a difference and it is time to let our public representatives know that we have a strong and unified voice on the issues that affect our game.”