City boss backs ‘bargain’ sale of land to GAA

CORK’S city manager has defended what critics have called the “bargain sale” of public land to the GAA.

Tim Lucey was speaking after city councillors voted 24-6 in favour of the disposal of nearly seven acres at the former Showgrounds to the Cork GAA County Board for €1.7 million.

Cork City Council acquired the entire Showgrounds site from the Munster Agricultural Society in 2009 by compulsory purchase order for around €11.5m plus costs.