Funding: Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue said yesterday he expects An Bord Pleanála to approve the redevelopment plans for Lansdowne Road early next year, and that the project will get under way later that year. He was reluctant to speculate on which month the wrecking ball would arrive, but the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009, in accordance with the schedule.

While there are still approximately 30 objections to the plan, it is expected that these can be resolved in time to adhere to the schedule.

O'Donoghue declined to get embroiled in the dispute between Wanderers Rugby Club, which is located at the side of the pitch in Lansdowne Road, saying that it was a matter between the IRFU and the club.

"We are expecting a positive decision from Bord Pleanála in the New Year," said O'Donoghue. "The Wanderers issue, I believe, will be sorted out by arbitration. That's a bit of a family dispute."

The Government have committed €191 million to Lansdowne Road as part of its Phase One of the national sports development plan. It also includes a number of sporting bodies relocating to Abbotstown, a national swimming programme and the establishment of an Institute of Sport.

The second phase, which has been included in this year's estimates, takes in a velodrome and an ice rink as well as an indoor athletics stadium.

"We are also in negotiation with the national governing bodies of other sports to see what else should go in there (Abbotstown)," said O'Donoghue. "The athletics track will be good enough to host athletics meetings. Phase one will take four years and will be ready for the 2012 Olympic Games in London."

The Irish Sports Council are also expected to have their funding increased this year. The council received €13.5 million in 2000, and this year were given €41 million.