Croke Park is strictly for the use of Gaelic sports

The Republic's Sports Minister John O'Donoghue has backed a proposal to open up Croke Park.

The Government minister has rowed in behind a motion put forward for next April's Congress by Wicklow club Arklow Gerladines.

The motion calls on the GAA to lease out Croke Park on five occasions to the Government who could then rent out the stadium to the likes of football and rugby.

The Minister did point out that the Government would not put the GAA authorities under pressure prior to Congress.

"I would strongly encourage the GAA to take the step,'' he said. ''But it is a matter for the GAA.

''I don't think they would really be giving up their independence by doing so for the very simple reason that they would decide what events and when the place would be open for alternative sports.

''We are only talking about a small number of sporting occasions in the year in any event.''

Mr O'Donoghue said that the GAA were well worth their 63.5 million euros Government aid with the great work they have done with the youth of country.

''It would be a black day for Irish society if Government were to interfere in running of independent sporting organisations,'' he said.

The Minister, however, said that while the redevelopment work on Croke Park was an alternative option it did not mean that the city and the country did not need a second stadium.

"We really do need another stadium for football and rugby and to cater for hurling and football.''

The plans for a second national stadium were enhanced this week when the IRFU, with the backing of the FAI, provided a blueprint to restructure Lansdowne Road into a 50,000 all-seater venue.