THE new Lansdowne Road stadium, which has SISK as the main contractor, is to exceed its €365m budget, due to a recent decision to increase the facilities at the 50,000 seater stadium.

The new facilities to be added to the development include an underground car park, providing for 200 cars and improved catering facilities, which has changed from the original design.

However, the redevelopment of the 50,000-seater stadium is said to remains on schedule and the first competitive game is set kick off in April 2010.

However, developers are unable to confirm the total cost of the project, according to a report in the Irish Independent.

"The construction budget remains on budget and it will be fine but a decision has been made to add certain facilities at this stage because there will never be a cheaper time to do it. "

There has also been extensive work done to ensure that Dart services will be able to run uninterrupted at match times. The podium over the railway line is already completed along with the underpasses.

"Work has started on a grand stairs over the podium that will bring people up to level three, and allowing them to walk down to the lower seats. Work on both the east and west stands has started, and at the north end of the ground they are above second storey level at this stage.

"It is right on schedule. We said completion in April 2010 and I've absolutely nothing to say that it won't be then. By the end of this year you will be able the see the complete skeleton of this stadium. It will be up to roof level."

The IRFU is to contribute €108m to the project, with the FAI paying €66m and the taxpayer paying the remaining €191m. The controversial issue of naming rights for the stadium is still to be confirmed.

Source: Irish Independent