WATCH: Residents get private tour of Páirc Uí Chaoimh to see redevelopment progess

Residents living near Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork have been given a private tour to see progress on the multimillion-euro revamp of the GAA stadium, which is on course to host its first games next July.

Ballintemple Area Residents Association spokesman Paddy Mulley said people were impressed by what they saw — many posted pictures and video clips on social media.

“It’s as good as anything you’d see in Croke Park, although more compact,” he said. “Hopefully when the new stadium opens, it will signal a new beginning for all those involved in Cork GAA.”

Demolition of the old stadium started in late 2015.

The new stadium, which will have an increased capacity of 45,000, will boast top-class facilities for players, fans, and staff, with up to 40 bars and restaurants, conference facilities, and a museum.

Mr Mulley praised the county board and contractors for how they have managed the project, which employed up to 300 people at its peak.

“There were a few over-runs with concrete pours but that was it,” he said. “We got advance notice about works, they kept the place clean, and they enforced the construction traffic plan.

“We had great liaison with site manager Tom O’Brien, who was on the ball for everything. They really ran an excellent site.”

He said residents are now awaiting publication of the Cork County Board’s traffic and transport plan, which will be in effect for major games and events, and for details about the frequency of stadium events.

He said enforcement of traffic and parking laws to tackle indiscriminate parking in residential areas around the stadium will be essential if the plans are to be successful.

“Without enforcement, it just won’t work,” he said.

“We can run the biggest outdoor show in Europe, the Ploughing Championships, every year without major traffic problems. We should be able to run a few matches in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. But match-goers have a civic duty to park responsibly.”

The county board also presented a defibrillator to the local community, to bring to three the number of the life-saving devices in the local area. The board also plans to fund AED training for members of the community.

The county board will host a media tour of the stadium today before launching a 10-year, premium-level ticket scheme tonight.