The FAI have reiterated their support for the Stadium Ireland project, hailing it as the most positive development for Irish sport in the history of the state.
In a statement released today the FAI stressed that it remains fully committed to the project which it believes can provide a new home with the modern facilities and increased capacity the national team requires.
The Stadium Ireland project had come in for criticism recently over its escalating costs. The project was expected to cost in the region of £281 million when the initial plans were unveiled by the Taoiseach last January.
Reports have since suggested this figure has now grown to as much as £1 billion and there is mounting pressure being applied to the Government to shelve the project.
Today the FAI recognised "the costs are high but affordable and worthwhile." They claim that Governments have undervalued the importance of sport in the past and that "sport deserves its fair share of state money."
The non-stadium benefits of the project have also been "understated" according to the FAI: "Three hundred acres of first class facilities catering for seventy-five sports is a facility needed by modern Ireland."