Páirc Uí Chaoimh revamp on the cards

BOLD moves that could pave the way for a multi-million expansion of Cork’s biggest GAA stadium have begun, it emerged last night.

City manager Joe Gavin confirmed his officials have signed compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to acquire the Munster Showgrounds next to the 43,000-capacity Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The city owns the land and leases it to the Munster Agricultural Society. But Mr Gavin, who last February said he was unhappy the site was derelict and underused, said city officials signed the CPOs last Thursday.

The move is designed to secure the development of a public park on the 22-acre docklands site, he said.

But it will also pave the way for a redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Cork County Board’s efforts to build a new stand and increase stadium capacity have been hampered in the past because of land issues.

Talks on these issues have taken place between city officials, the Munster Agricultural Society and the county board in recent months but no agreement was reached.

County board spokesman Bob Ryan welcomed the CPOs last night.

“The city manager is aware of our needs. Improving capacity is certainly part of the plan for the park but we need to improve dressing rooms, facilities for the public, build offices and training pitches,” he said.

The Munster Agricultural Society was unavailable for comment late last night.

Mr Gavin was speaking during a discussion on an economic impact study of the city’s €2 billion docklands strategy.

He said he hoped the public park would accommodate open-air events like concerts and circuses.

He said the CPO documents included land to the rear of the Showgrounds.

People have one month to lodge objections and compensation will be offered to those affected, he said.

It was not clear how much compensation will be offered. Appeals could go to An Bord Pleanála.

The Showgrounds had been eyed as a possible location for a conference centre. However, Mr Gavin reiterated his position that a site near Kent Station is the preferred site for such a centre.

More negotiations on this development are to take place in the coming weeks.

A private developer is willing to build and manage a 5,000-seat conference centre at this location, Mr Gavin said, but CIÉ owns the land.