Fine Gael has launched an attack on the proposed National Stadium saying the money would be better spent if it were spread throughout the country developing grassroots facilities.
The criticism comes on the back of an independent study that recommended the project be downsized by 20 per cent.
Fine Gael’s policy director, Mr Richard Bruton TD, said the stadium idea had been undermined by the warning it should be downsized.
Mr Bruton said Fine Gael was committed to spending £500m on providing local sports facilities throughout the country.
"Think of all the young people who could be attracted into sporting and recreational pursuits if we had more all-weather pitches, sports halls, indoor athletic arenas, modern gymnasia and other facilities, and, along with all these, trained instructors and coaches to work with young people."
"Let’s build a human monument to Ireland’s future – not a concrete coliseum for Bertie," Mr Bruton said.