The Official Leinster Supporters Club (OLSC) recently asked supporters if they had any questions about our home, The RDS….
The OLSC put the questions to RDS management, their responses are below:
Q. What are the plans to redevelop the Anglesea stand and when is it likely to take place?
A. Plans are on-going to redevelop the Anglesea stand and we are currently at the funding stage. Once funding has been secured work will commence. No timelines are available as yet.
Q. Are there any plans for toilets in the Laighin Out Bar?
A. There are no plans for toilets at present to go in to the Laighin Out Bar. There are several portacabin toilets in close proximity which supporters are guided to use.
Q. Would an RWC 2023 bid ensure that the RDS will get expanded?
A. The RDS is a participant in this proposal bid and the facilities will be expected to meet the requirements set down.
Q. Will there be a Leinster Club shop incorporated into any redeveloped Angelsea Stand?
A. The final details have yet to be agreed and we expect to liaise with Leinster on this as common operations will typically be involved.
Q. Do you have any power to encourage Dublin bus to improve the frequency of buses after a game, waiting 45 minutes is not unusual and can spoil an evening.
A. The RDS is well serviced by direct bus routes (bus number 4, 7, 8 and 18 stop outside the Main Hall Entrance to the RDS on Merrion Road). Furthermore, Donnybrook which is also a short walk from the RDS is on the Quality Bus Corridor (QBC). Alternatively, there is a regular dart service from either Lansdowne or Sandymount dart stations which again are both just a short walk from the RDS.
Q. Why do we have to cross over muddygrass to get food service?
A. Weather conditions have been unpredictable and extreme. It is no longer suitable to situate the food kiosks in the grass arenas. Instead food kiosks are now located on the tarmac walk -way beside the Anglesea stand.
Q. Why is no orderly queuing in place for all food outlets?
A. Due to space restrictions it is difficult to set up and manage orderly queues as the queues would run into one another. Staff at each unit manage the queues as required and we find that the current queuing system flows reasonably smoothly and quickly.
Q. Please explain why mobile teacoffeechocolate vendors are not permitted – service to seated and terrace patrons?
A. The mobile vendors sell confectionary and service each stand before matches and during half time. For health and safety reasons they are prohibited from serving hot drinks to seated and terrace patrons.
Q. Please explain why the sound system for terrace patrons is so poor?
A. The sound system for the terrace is carefully checked before every match. Sound levels are pre-set two hours in advance of each match. We have noted this concern and will raise it with our sound system specialist.
Q. Is there any chance of having a queuing system for the toilet blocks?
A. A queuing system has been in place at recent matches. The Leinster Blue Crew and RDS Security will work jointly to ensure this system is managed effectively.
Q. Does the RDS have baby changing facilities on match days and if so, where are these as I have asked a number of stewards and nobody can tell me?
A. Baby changing facilities are available on match days and are located at the rear of the Grand Stand beside Gate F. Our regular pre-match briefing includes updates on all aspects of venue facilities including baby changing. Additional effort will be undertaken to ensure patrons can locate these facilities.
Q. Is there any chance of installing bike racks inside the RDS arena (after a scanning point for added security)?
A. Bike racks are located outside the scanning area at Gate D which is inside the Anglesea Gate entrance and adjacent to the security hut.
Q. Is there any way of reducing the cost of pints, we believe we pay the same as a customer going to a one off concert but we are visiting the RDS 13-15 times each season?
A. Beer prices at the RDS compare favourably with other venues in the city.
Q. Are there any plans to have a ‘Dublin Bike’ station installed in or near the RDS?
A. The RDS is fully supportive of the Dublinbike Scheme expansion programme and there are plans to have a Dublinbike station installed. Phase 2 is only in construction now and the RDS and Ballsbridge area form phase 5. Therefore, it could take a few years before one is in operation in or near the RDS.
The OLSC Commttee would like to thank the RDS for taking the time to respond to these questions.
The OLSC represents all season ticket holders. If you have a question that has not been answered above or have any further comments about the match day experience, please send them to olsc@leinsterrugby.ie We have regular communication with Leinster Rugby and can raise supporter issues/concerns as required.
