The RDS’ s plan to redevelop the Arena in partnership with Leinster Rugby has been strenuously objected to by local residents.
The redevelopment will upgrade facilities at the venue while also increasing the standard capacity for Leinster Rugby from 18,500 to 21,000.
The RDS will be solely responsible for managing the redevelopment of the Stand, the total cost of which is expected to be in the region of €26 million.
The economic impact of the increased size and capacity is listed in the planning application as being in the region of €160 million a year but residents are crying foul.
The Anglesea Road Residents’ Association has submitted an objection stating “the residents experience daily disruption from the 400-plus events now held annually at the RDS.”
“This number has increased exponentially in the last number of years with access and parking now becoming unbearable obstacles to residents.
“It is now quite clear that in order to be commercially viable there will be an increase in commercial activity to justify the building cost of this stand.”
“The presence of Leinster Rugby has been particularly disruptive to residents, with large numbers of families attending matches seeking parking locally.”
Leinster will continue to play their home matches at the stadium through the building work though a commencement date for when the work will start is dependent on this next stage of the process.
Dublin City Council are expected to make a decision in the next six weeks.
Since completing the international architectural competition for the redevelopment, won by the consortium of Grimshaw / Newenham Mulligan Architects, the RDS has been working with the design team to develop the detail of the initial design concept.
The same architects are also responsible for the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse which is also going through planning and will ironically be managed by former European Rugby Cup CEO Derek McGrath.
“Designing a stadium to meet the unique design requirements of the RDS Main Arena is a complex and challenging task,” said RDS CEO Michael Duffy.
“We have submitted a planning application for a redeveloped Anglesea Stand which will create a top class experience for visitors and positively impact on the Dublin Horse Show, Leinster Rugby and any other events held in the Main Arena.”
“This has taken a huge amount of work from all concerned and the RDS have gone about it the right way,” added Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson.
“It is great to be able to take that next step. It is welcome news for all involved with Leinster Rugby but in particular for our season ticket holders who continue to support us in great numbers but are eager to see how this all develops.”
“I think this is a very positive step as we look towards developing the RDS Arena into the best in class offering that we all know it can be.”
It now remains to be seen whether the plans can proceed as lodged though given the strength of opposition it is also likely that further appeals to an Bord Pleanala may impact on the final readiness of the builders to move in.
