Lansdowne Agreement: Lansdowne Rugby Club have agreed a detailed settlement with the IRFU on a number of issues relating to their tenancy and the stadium's redevelopment, while their co-tenants Wanderers FC are progressing with negotiations but have not yet reached a final settlement with regard to the demolition of the Wanderers Pavilion, ticketing arrangements for international matches and subsequent relocation of the club.
"We are progressing very nicely at the moment, particularly over the last five or six days," said the Wanderers president, Kevin Brophy. "It may take another while before a final agreement is reached but we've had very positive meetings with the IRFU. Everything will be put to the members before a final agreement is decided."
Lansdowne have agreed compensation for lost revenue, negotiated a licence to play in the new grounds and in the RDS during reconstruction and been guaranteed tickets at Croke Park for international matches and in the new Lansdowne Road.
The details, which are believed to have been available at the club's last agm and were distributed at the public hearing into the Lansdowne Road development held in Dublin's Gresham Hotel this week, show the club will get their normal allocation of tickets less an across-the-board reduction of 11 per cent.
But that allocation will be ring-fenced for 15 years from the date of the opening of the new stadium.
The club will also have the right to purchase 75 premium-level 10-year tickets and 650 stand tickets of "reasonable" quality in Croke Park. And in the years 16-20 from the date of the opening of the new ground, they will have the right to buy another 241 stand tickets of "reasonable" quality.
Lansdowne are also set to be fully compensated for the loss of revenue during the reconstruction, which will be based on the profitable years of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006, and are to be compensated for the big-revenue matches played in GAA headquarters.
A new building on the area behind the present East Stand will accommodate the IRFU offices as well as the new Wanderers Pavilion. Subject to planning permission the IRFU will build Lansdowne a clubhouse of similar size to their present one: approximately 13,000 sq ft. The statement also says the same building will supply the IRFU with 15,000 sq ft of office space and Wanderers with a 2,000 sq ft pavilion.
Lansdowne also claim to have received a letter from the Union's architects saying, "the indications are that the planning authority would support such a proposal both architecturally and as being in compliance with the Development Plan."
If planning permission is refused, the Union will re-enter negotiations with the club.
All costs associated with playing in the RDS, including the upgrading of the RDS playing surface, during the rebuilding of Lansdowne Road (up to 35 games a year) will be met by the IRFU. The RDS will also be made available for club functions such as the annual dinner, while clubhouse facilities including a bar will be available for exclusive use of club members.
While Wanderers say they are still negotiating with the IRFU on several matters, the Lansdowne agreement states Wanderers will have equal rights to play and train on the new pitches and the Lansdowne allocation of international tickets will be no less than that offered to Wanderers.
• 650 stand tickets for Croke Park
• 75 premium-level 10-year tickets
• Full compensation for lost revenue
• New 15,000 sq ft clubhouse in Lansdowne Rd
• All costs of playing in RDS footed by IRFU
• Playing licence for Lansdowne Rd 50-plus years
