Rugby ground revamp a step closer

THE €40 million Thomond Park development has moved a step further as the Munster Branch have sought expressions of interest from builders.

An advertisement has been directed at contractors and service contractors who are interested in entering talks for the design and construction of two stands with respective capacity of 7,643 and 8,013.

It read: “The development will consist of the demolition of the existing West Stand and West Terrace and dwellings at No 1 to 28 Knockalisheen Road and associated outbuildings.”

Ken Lyons who heads the project committee said they were now seeking expressions of interest to enable them to let builders know what their requirements were.

He said: “We want to be in a situation that immediately after the last Heineken Cup game in January the contractor will be able to go straight in and start work and have it completed by October 2007 for the next Heineken Cup game.”

He said they wanted a situation where the builders intending to tender knew exactly what was involved. He said they expect news on the planning application from Limerick City Council in the coming weeks.

The design concept for the new stadium has been widely acclaimed in sporting circles.

Residents at Knockalisheen Road who have sold their homes to the IRFU have complained of delays in receiving the money for their houses.

Mr Lyons said the money was with the IRFU Munster Branch solicitor and the sales of the houses would be completed soon.