The stadium debate has become one of the major issues of the current general election campaign in the Republic of Ireland.

Outgoing Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern is the driving force behind the proposed new stadium but the other main political parties are all against the plan.

The IRFU and FAI statement said that while Lansdowne Road had served soccer and rugby well over the years, the venue was inadequate "for use in the 21st century".

"Given the demand for tickets for rugby and soccer international fixtures it is clear that a modern stadium with a capacity of 60,000-65,000 is required.

"This demand is not only from within Ireland but also, particularly in the case of international rugby fixtures, from outside Ireland from the large number of visiting supporters".

"In these circumstances the FAI and IRFU are committed to the proposal to build a National Stadium.

"It will provide modern stadium facilities with the capacity to satisfy the needs and expectations of the soccer and rugby public and visiting overseas supporters.

"The revenue derived from international fixtures is the financial engine behind game development and increased participation in both our sports.

"The provision of the stadium will provide the revenue streams that fund the grass roots development of both soccer and rugby all around the country development of both soccer and rugby all around the country."

Ireland and Scotland plan to make a joint-bid for the 2008 European Football Championship but at the moment, the Irish do not have access to the two stadiums which they require.

Top GAA stadium Croke Park would comfortably fit the bill in terms of capacity but the organisation's rules preclude its grounds from being used by other sports.