Dublin City Council's planners have requested a raft of further information on plans to redevelop Lansdowne Road as a 50,000-seat stadium, casting doubt on the timetable for completing the €365 million project.
The detailed request, which runs to 43 points, includes "an assessment of the pros and cons" of lowering the level of the pitch to reduce the scale of the stadium and providing a large concourse underneath the Dart line rather than on a podium above it.
Local residents have strongly objected to the height of the new stadium, which would rise to 48.5m (160ft), pointing out that this is much higher than Croke Park (35m/115ft) even though the latter has a significantly larger capacity of 82,500.
They say the developers have not explained this disparity. "Residents believe that there is no European precedent in recent times for a stadium of this size to be shoe-horned into a residential area where no surrounding space mitigates its scale," a spokesman said.
Taking up another of the residents' complaints, the planners want the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (LRSDC) to examine such alternatives as incorporating the Irish Rugby Football Union's (IRFU's) "back pitch" into the stadium "given the comparatively short- term lease remaining".
They have also requested legal clarification on an objection lodged by Wanderers RFC, stating that no agreement has been reached with them on the proposed demolition of their pavilion in the southwest corner of the ground, which is held under licence from the IRFU.
The further information request seeks clarification of photomontages of the stadium which "give the impression that the proposed stadium overhangs and projects over the public footpath" on Lansdowne Road, saying this would need the city council's legal consent.
The planners are also seeking an analysis of the long-term durability of the stadium's translucent polycarbonate roof, "given concerns about deterioration due to sunlight and UV radiation", as well as a method statement on how it would be maintained into the future.
In addition, the LRSDC must provide a "noise analysis of the effect of rain and hail on the extensive polycarbonate roof, in relation to residential amenity" as well as a "full analysis of the impact of glare and reflectivity . . . on surrounding residential occupiers".
Regarding local concerns about the height of the podium over the Dart line in relation to adjacent houses, cross-section drawings are required to show how it would stand alongside the rear gardens of houses on Lansdowne Road and Lansdowne Terrace.
The planners have queried a discrepancy between the stated 10,900 capacity of the proposed pedestrian underpass beneath the Dart line and LRSDC's estimates that 11,600 spectators would funnel in from Lansdowne Road while a further 9,600 would arrive by Dart.
They also want to know more about the potential impact of the demolition and construction phases of the stadium on the operation of the Dart.
The planners describe as "laudable" that a new Dart station forecourt would improve circulation, dispersal and safety. However, they want more "movement and permeability" southwards to Ballsbridge under the Dart line - including a new footbridge over the River Dodder.
Dealing with ecological issues, the planners are seeking details on when works affecting the Dodder would be carried out "having regard to fish spawning and migration seasons", as well as an analysis of the impact on its otters, kingfishers, teal, mallard and herons.
A tree survey of the stadium site is also being sought to show clearly every standing tree and spell out the reasons why trees would need to be removed.
Detailed work plans are also sought for the safe removal of all asbestos on the site and for the monitoring of dust levels during demolition and construction.
In relation to events such as rock concerts, the planners want to know what criteria have been used to ensure that no noise nuisance is caused by amplified music, and also what provision would be made for additional toilets to cater for patrons at outdoor concerts.
The planners also requested details of access to "assist the fire service in the protection of life and property including means of external access to enable fire appliances to be brought near to the building for effective use".
LRSDC must respond to all points raised within six months.
