Leinster rugby ‘providing €66m windfall to Dublin every season’
THE direct spend by rugby supporters attending Leinster games at the RDS is €24.7m per season with the cumulative impact for the Dublin economy ranging from €42m to €66m per season.
That is according to consultants for the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) which is seeking to develop a new three-tier 6,481 capacity Anglesea Stand.
The RDS said the increased capacity is essential for securing some of the high profile events which it is expected to host to remain attractive in an increasingly competitive field.
Consultants said the multi-purpose arena “is a significant contributor to the economy of Dublin with an overall estimated combined economic impact of €136.5m to €166m for rugby games, concert events and the annual horse show”.
The existing Anglesea Stand was built in the early 1930s and can accommodate 5,743 for rugby games. The new plan involves a three-level grandstand with a connected two-level hospitality and services building called the ‘Pocket Building’.
Planning has been previously been granted for the redevelopment but the new stand won’t be completed before this permission expires, necessitating the need for the new application.
The application has the support of the IRFU. Its chief executive, Philip Browne, told Dublin City Council that the proposed development will underpin the Leinster rugby operations at the RDS. Mr Browne said it would “enhance the sponsorship potential of Leinster rugby thereby helping it to retain its best players and to continue to develop the sport”.
Mr Browne said a new stand “will enhance and rejuvenate the facility which is no longer compatible with visitor expectations”.
The CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, Ronan Murphy, has also written to the council to support the plan.