Thomond Park development delayed for final league game

THE handing over of Thomond Park to contractors for the €40 million redevelopment of the stadium has been delayed by one week.

Main contractors Hegarty’s were due to move on site yesterday.

However, the hand-over has been deferred until next Monday to enable an All- Ireland League game, UL Bohemians versus Shannon, to go ahead next Saturday.

The Munster squad will train at Thomond Park for the last time tomorrow.

It is believed the UL Bohemians club is now prepared to withdraw a planning appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the development following talks with the IRFU.

The club objected over what they claimed was the lack of access to their club pavilion which will be located in one of the two new stands.

Both UL Bohemians and Shannon RFC have pavilions in the grounds, which is their home venue.

Demolition work of 16 nearby terraced houses, purchased by the IRFU at Knockalisheen Road, Ballynanty, is expected to get underway later this week.

The IRFU paid a figure believed to be in the region of €4m for 13 of the houses which were owner-occupied. They also paid an undisclosed sum to Limerick City Council for three properties which it owned.

Council tenants living in those houses have been re-housed in alternative council accommodation.

Chief steward at the ground, Liam McCarthy said that the first big task next week will be demolishing the existing stands.

Mr McCarthy said it was expected the builders would be on site for six months.

Meanwhile, UL Bohemians are planning a special commemorative programme for next Saturday’s game.

Mr Sheehan said he could not comment on talks between the club and the IRFU concerning their appeal against the development.

However, he said the club was hoping to have more than 3,000 spectators at the game. “It promises to be a great occasion and many people, including those not followers of either club, will be there to witness the last game at the old Thomond Park,” he said.