Royal Dublin Society’s (RDS) chief executive Michael Duffy has announced that redevelopment of its main stadium in Ballsbridge is expected to cost approximately US$38m (€35m).
RDS wants to increase its main arena capacity from 18,500 to about 25,000 to host Leinster Rugby’s Pro 12 and European home matches, along with the Dublin Horse Show and outdoor concerts.
A funding model for the redevelopment, which will include applying to the Irish government for a sports capital grant, is currently being worked on. A government grant covering up to half of the cost could be sought. “We are fully responsible for the funding of the project,” said Duffy.
The balance would come from the RDS’s own resources and from naming rights to the stadium, which could be worth up to US$10.8m (€10m) for a 10-year period. RDS is finalizing the stadium design, with a view to submitting a planning application in June.
RDS is also considering the construction of a second office block, which would cost about US$43.1m (€40m). It received a five-year extension to its original planning permission last year, taking it up to 2019.
April 21, 2015
