The RDS has received the green light to erect floodlights at its Ballsbridge showgrounds, paving the way for it to sign a long-term deal with Leinster to host Heineken European Cup and Magners Celtic League matches over the coming years.
The floodlights will be installed in April and are part of a €6 million redevelopment of the arena that has already seen the pitch relaid. Planning for the floodlights was granted by Dublin City Council and no objections were raised with An Bord Pleanála.
The RDS also plans to install new dressing rooms under the Anglesea Stand and to increase its seating capacity to 20,000. At present, there are about 5,000 seats in the arena.
The Anglesea Stand, which was built in the 1920s, will get a new roof, bucket-style seats and improved toilet facilities in the coming years.
The RDS is also set to host Lansdowne rugby club while Lansdowne Road is closed for redevelopment. Michael Duffy, the RDS's chief executive, said negotiations on both deals were at an "advanced stage".
Leinster need to find a new home for their matches as both Lansdowne Road and Donnybrook are slated for redevelopment. The RDS would be an ideal alternative given its proximity to those venues. Leinster played five games at the venue last season, attracting large crowds.
The government last year gave the RDS a €1 million grant towards its redevelopment and the society is now seeking additional funds from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism.
