The Irish Sports Minister has visited the new Lansdowne Road stadium to see the progress made on the €350m redevelopment project.

Minister Martin Cullen travelled to the Ballsbridge venue to view the continuing work at the 50,000 all-seater stadium.

Due for completion in 2010, three wings will be four tiers in height, with the fourth stand a single tier because of its proximity to private housing.

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Work is also underway on the first of the 1,300 corporate boxes located above the 10,000-seat second tier.

Cranes and construction vehicles continue to dominate the stadium field where countless sporting legends once played.

However, earlier this month, reports suggested the development was under threat due to Football Association of Ireland funding problems.

A joint venture with the Irish Rugby Football Union, the scheme is now reportedly €100m over budget.

Fine Gael's Sports Spokesperson, Olivia Mitchell TD, revealed that the cost of the project has gone up from €365m to €466m in just 11 months.

This was attributed to the additional costs for an underground car park, among other extras.

(PR/JM)