Thomond objectors vow quick resolution

THE Limerick rugby club, which is objecting to the €40 million redevelopment of Thomond Park, yesterday pledged to resolve the issue.

Joe Sheehan, president of UL Bohemians, which plays its home games at Thomond and whose club pavilion is located in the main stand, said: “We are very hopeful this matter can be resolved sooner rather than later.”

An objection in the name of the Division One senior club was lodged with An Bord Pleanála on Monday — minutes before the 28-day period for objections expired.

Mr Sheehan said: “It certainly would not be my, or the club’s, intention to stop the progress of the Thomond Park redevelopment in any way. I have great confidence it will be sorted out quickly and our objection withdrawn.”

UL Bohemians, in their objection, claim the development does not adequately cater for their players needs; that it restricts access for club members and the proposed development does not comply with the city development plan.

Mr Sheehan said Bohemians would retain a pavilion in the new stand when it was completed and it would be on the ground floor.

At present, the club has a bar/pavilion on the ground floor and a smaller president’s bar upstairs.

“Everybody is bending over backwards to sort this out,” he said.

The IRFU had hoped to hand over the park to developers in the near future to allow work commence.

However, the rugby union has also lodged an objection with An Bord Pleanála, relating to the proposed €1.72m development levy, being sought by Limerick City Council.

The IRFU claim the development should be exempt from council levies.

Council planner Dick Tobin said the levy applies to all developments and is charged on a basis of €100 per square metre of developed property.

A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála said it was hoped a decision could be given within 18 weeks of objections being lodged.

Some decisions, however, can take longer given the volume of work.

The IRFU paid an estimated €4m to buy 13 former council houses at Knockalisheen Road from their owner occupiers, to make way for a new stand on the Hassett’s Cross side.

The IRFU is believed to have come to an agreement to purchase the remaining three houses in the terrace, which were still in the ownership of the local authority, from the council.

Council tenants, who initially resisted a move to alternative council accommodation, have now reached an agreement with the council.