City’s GAA stadium revamp a step closer

GAA plans to revamp Páirc Uí Chaoimh and develop a centre of excellence next to the stadium took a major step forward yesterday.

Cork City Council’s key strategic planning policy committee voted in favour of supporting the multi-million project at the flagship Cork stadium.

The vote followed a briefing by senior GAA officials, including the association’s president, Christy Cooney, of 22 councillors at City Hall.

The GAA officials said the revamp is “absolutely critical” for the future of GAA in Cork.

The compromise proposal from the GAA – which first sought 16 acres of land around the stadium – would see the GAA acquiring just over six acres of city-owned land to facilitate the project.

However, it has emerged that councillors will have to rezone land earmarked for a public park if the GAA project is to proceed.

Speaking before the briefing, Gerry O’Sullivan, the chairman of Cork County Board, said it is “absolutely critical” that the project goes ahead.

“The need to redevelop the stadium is obvious to everybody,” he said.

“The stadium has served us very well for up to 30 years. But for the modern game, centres of excellence are a necessity. They are being developed around the country.

“It is sad that Cork, being the country’s second biggest city, and the strongest GAA county, hasn’t got such a centre.”

He said if the GAA’s proposals are accepted by full council, it would result in major improvements for both spectators and players.

“To be fair to our patrons, we need to provide the best facilities we can,” he said.

During the behind-closed-doors briefing, the GAA emphasised the importance of the stadium to the local economy.

Sunday’s Munster hurling championship clash between Cork and Tipperary was worth an estimated €10 million to the local economy.

The project could be completed within two years of securing planning permission, and could create some 300 construction jobs.

It is supported by the Cork Chamber and the Cork Business Association.

But councillors have been told that the GAA’s proposal presents certain difficulties.

In a briefing note circulated to councillors on Friday, senior planner Ann Bogan said: “The accommodation of a full size all-weather pitch is not compatible with the plans to develop a flagship park for Docklands and the city.

“If the pitch goes ahead as proposed, the opportunity to realise this vision will be lost, with consequences for the overall plans for Docklands.”

But she said it may be possible to provide areas within the proposed park to serve the GAA’s needs without compromising the overall plan for the park.

“The design of the park which is to be commissioned shortly could take account of these needs when preparing the overall strategy for the park,” she said.

Lord Mayor Councillor Dara Murphy said it is now time for councillors to take the overall public interest into account.

“Páirc Uí Chaoimh in its current state can’t last much longer,” he said.

“The GAA is the biggest voluntary sporting organisation in the country which attracts huge numbers of players and spectators, and gives huge pleasure to people.

“We have to take the view that we are not giving away a city asset to a private developer.

“It is time that we, as a county, take our place amongst other cities that have top class facilities.”

The council’s strategic planning policy committee met after yesterday’s briefing and voted to support the project. Its recommendation will go before a full council meeting on June 14.