GAA compromises over Páirc Uí Chaoimh revamp demands

THE GAA has significantly reduced the amount of public land it would like to acquire to help revamp Cork GAA’s flagship ground and develop a centre of excellence nearby.

The organisation, which first sought 16 acres of land in the Showgrounds next to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, has submitted a revised document to Cork City Council seeking just under six acres.

Frank Murphy, secretary of the Cork County Board, described it as “a major compromise” and said he hopes it will be approved by councillors.

Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy said he is pleased with the development.

“There may be room for further tweaking and I would like to see a deal concluded,” he said.

The city council acquired the Showgrounds land following a Compulsory Purchase Order last year.

The GAA first asked the council to dispose 16 acres of land to it.

But in a report to councillors last March, city manager Joe Gavin expressed concerns about the extent of public land that was being sought.

Now, following several meetings, the GAA is looking for:

6.82 acres (6.24 acres in the Showgrounds and .58 of an acre to the north of the stadium) for the re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and a “centre of excellence”. Mr Murphy said this land would include provision for circulation areas and a full GAA-sized, floodlit all-weather playing pitch.

An additional 1.81-acres, which would remain in council ownership, to be provided on a licence basis to the county board for access purposes on big match days.

And the provision of 300 car parking spaces next to the stadium for teams, VIPs and wheelchair users on match days.

The document will be considered by the council’s strategic planning policy committee (SPPC) on Monday. Mr Gavin will prepare a report, the committee will issue a recommendation, and both will come before a full council within the next fortnight.