The Progressive Democrats have disputed reports of an imminent Government agreement to build a national stadium, saying the consultants' report on the issue raises serious questions about the structure, cost and process of delivery of the Sports Campus project.
While the Coalition parties are set to agree an abortion referendum date this week, consensus on the stadium has not yet emerged. The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, yesterday called for the publication of the independent report - by consultants High Point Rendel - which the party believes adds credibility to its concerns.
Government sources said there was no objection to the publication of the report, which would be "signed off" between representatives of the Departments of the Taoiseach, Enterprise and Employment, Tourism and Sport and Finance in the next fortnight.
A PD spokesman said yesterday the report "has raised serious concerns about the scope of the Abbotstown project and the Tánaiste's priority is to have it published as soon as possible". Party sources said the report backs up PD concerns about the project's "structure, cost and process of delivery".
A compromise proposal being floated is for a smaller stadium than the original 80,000-seater, and a decision to postpone other elements of the Sports Campus - such as the indoor arena, velodrome and golf academy - for construction later. However, it is not clear the PDs will agree to this.
The Taoiseach confirmed last April that he was open to a reduction in the size of the proposed stadium, with Government sources indicating then that it could be cut back from 80,000 seats to 60,000 or 65,000. "If we have to scale this up or back or forward, I've no difficulty in doing that," Mr Ahern told reporters then.
The prospect of a joint Irish- Scottish bid for the 2008 European soccer championships has added to the arguments of those in favour of a new stadium. Ireland would need a minimum of two major stadiums built to UEFA requirements to join the bid.
Fine Gael and the PDs have both said that Croke Park and Lansdowne Road could be used. However, there is scepticism in sporting circles over whether the GAA would allow Croke Park to be handed over to soccer in early summer for an unbroken five- to six-week period, which would be required for preparation and staging matches.
Fine Gael remains opposed to the plan with its leader, Mr Michael Noonan, on record as saying he would not be bound by any commitment made by this Government. If legally binding contracts were signed, then he might have no choice, he said last year, but he would halt as much of the project as he could if elected Taoiseach.