The Phoenix Park is being looked at as a possible alternative site for the controversial "Bertie Bowl" by a Government committee established to examine the multi-million euro project.
The committee, which The Irish Times understands looked at a number of alternative national stadium sites to Abbotstown, is due to finalise its report today or tomorrow.
The report is expected to be brought to the Cabinet by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, on Tuesday. Among the other sites the committee has assessed are Abbotstown, the former Glass Factory in Ringsend, and Lansdowne Road.
The committee is chaired by the secretary general of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr Phil Furlong, and includes representatives of the Taoiseach's Department, the Tánaiste's office, the OPW and Sports Campus Ireland.
It is not clear if the committee will propose that the Government go with one particular site, or will simply outline its assessment of several sites. The Cabinet is under pressure to formally decide on the fate of the controversial Abbotstown project next week with UEFA officials due to visit Dublin on September 16th in advance of a decision on the joint bid by the FAI and the Scottish FAI to host the 2008 European Championships. If a decision on the national stadium is not made by the 16th, the chances of hosting the finals will be reduced.
PD resistance to Abbotstown is growing and the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, will discuss the issue with the Taoiseach before Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.It is understood the Taoiseach is determined to proceed with Abbotstown, even if it is a scaled-down version.