City manager calls on councillors to reject part of GAA stadium plan

CITY manager Joe Gavin has called on councillors to reject some of the GAA’s plans for a multi-million euro redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

In a report delivered to Cork City Council, Mr Gavin said he would be prepared to donate two acres of land to redevelop the stadium to a 50,000-seater venue.

However, he said City Hall wasn’t prepared to provide further land – which the council purchased from the Munster Agricultural Society – for the GAA’s planned development of an adjoining 1,000-seater all weather pitch. That would require the council to hand over another 4.82 acres.

Mr Gavin said he was prepared to give Cork County GAA Board land at the Carrigrohane Straight to develop an all-weather pitch. He said it could be located next to a planned 1,000-space park and ride facility which was set to open next year.

Mr Gavin said he had numerous consultations with the County Board on the redevelopment.

Members of the council are expected to discuss his recommendations when they meet next Monday.

The city manager said that when the council attended a Bord Pleanála oral hearing, which focussed on the Compulsory Purchase Orders for the Munster Agricultural Society land, he made it clear what he intended to do with the site.

“When we were cross-examined by the inspector we said we would give some of the land for the refurbishment of Pairc Uí Chaoimh, but not for the all-weather pitch, which we want to retain as green space,” Mr Gavin said.

He wants to retain most of the 25.5 acres, purchased for €11.5 million, as a public park which would form part of the Docklands regeneration programme.

Ann Brogan, City Hall senior planner, said the GAA’s plans for the all-weather pitch would ruin the council’s vision for the park.