€30m for Páirc Uí Chaoimh branded ’political sharp practice’

The Government was yesterday accused of "political sharp practice" for sanctioning, a week before the local elections, a €30m grant of taxpayers’ money to help fund the €70m regeneration of Pairc Uí Chaoimh in Cork.

Dan Boyle, the former Green Party senator who is running for election in Cork’s South East, criticised the timing, particularly while the proposal remains in the planning process and as a number of contentious elements remain outstanding.

He branded it the kind of political sharp practice that was “thought to be long left behind”.

“Consensus exists on the need to develop the stadium.”

“However the proposal to double the footprint of the stadium by developing a parallel all-weather pitch, at the expense of a public park on land acquired through compulsory purchase which is still subject to being assessed by Bord Pleanála, should have meant that this decision was delayed.

“Making this decision for political purposes while ignoring the processes meant to protect the public good shows this government is no different from its predecessors.

“How is this announcement any different from that type of politics we saw from former taoiseach Bertie Ahern in relation to the Abbotstown project or on Croke Park, where large amounts of public money were announced before public concerns were addressed?”

Sean Sherlock, the innovation minister, who played a key role in protracted discussions between the GAA, Cork County Board, and the Government over the last 18 months, defended the funding decision and the timing of the announcement.

“This is a very smart investment by the taxpayer, through the Government,” he said.

“The €70m redevelopment is a significant piece of infrastructure. It is a 45,000-seat stadium and it is exp-ected that we can create 400 construction jobs in the construction spend.

“It is estimated by the GAA that its redevelopment will contribute €22m in revenue for the local economy and up to €12m per big event.”

Redeveloping the stadium will, as well as providing GAA players, officials, and fans with state-of-the-art facilities, will also help Ireland pitch for global competitions such as the Rugby World Cup, Mr Sherlock said. “There is very strong justification for this investment, when you think the UK government is investing money in Casement Park, it stands to reason why we are investing in a very vital stadium like Páirc Uí Chaoimh,” he said. “Fans rightly have high expectations and expect ancillary facilities like restaurants, conference capabilities and training facilities. All of this is envisaged within the plan.”

Their comments came as the Save the Marina Park group, which is opposed to the all-weather pitch, confirmed it is planning to appeal Cork City Council’s decision to grant planning for the entire project to An Bórd Pleanala before next Tuesday’s deadline.

The appeal is likely to push the construction start date back several months.