Thomond Park brings economic boost to Limerick

THOMOND Park has given a boost to the Limerick economy equal to an industry employing 565 full-time workers since it opened in October 2008.

The statistic was one of the key findings in a social impact study, conducted on the benefits the stadium has brought to the city.

To date, more than 760,000 people have attended games and concerts at the venue and it has yielded up to 30,000 bed nights to hotels and B&Bs.

Local employment earnings at games and concerts have topped more than €600,000.

The findings were outlined yesterday when Thomond Park management announced a new programme to “reach out to the local community”.

A special fund will be distributed under the Thomond Park Stadium Community Programme which works with a wide range of community groups and organisations. The fund will support a range of social, education and community projects.

The monies will assist local schools, sports clubs, community groups and local voluntary organisations to support new programmes, purchase equipment or support local community projects.

The study was conducted by Focus Consulting and its associate director Mark O’Connell said: “These are very impressive findings and brings home how important Thomond Park has become to the wider Limerick economy since it was redeveloped at a cost of €40 million. When you see how it compares to the level of employment from a major industry, it further emphasises its place as a key element of commerce in Limerick.”

Stadium director John Cantwell said: “Since the redevelopment of the stadium, we have proactively sought to help and work with as many local community groups as possible.

“This has resulted in the establishment of a varied community programme that has worked with youth groups, art and culture groups, education, to organisations catering for social disadvantage and people with disabilities.

“We are mindful of the status of the stadium in addition to its social role in Limerick particularly across the local community.”

Ireland and Munster player Keith Earls, brought up in nearby Moyross, said the new fund would help deliver a lot of key projects which are very important to the local community.

“Growing up near the stadium you appreciate what it means to the local community and the pride we take in it. The development of the fund as an extension of the community programme will make a real difference for local community projects and build further on the stadium’s place in our community.

“It will also allow local groups work even closer with Thomond Park stadium to identify longer term projects that can be delivered through the fund,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Cantwell said on any event day, over 800 people are employed in a variety of operational roles.

A recent independent analysis revealed sports, entertainment and business events at the stadium have contributed in excess of €132m to the local economy.