Plans to keep VIPs dry in Hogan Stand

THE GAA is looking at the possibility of redesigning its VIP section on the Hogan Stand side of Croke Park to ensure that their chief guests can be kept under cover on rainy days.

And, while it is not on the agenda, the question of putting a roof on the stadium in the longer term has not been ruled out by president Seán Kelly.

"We don't want the President of Ireland and the Taoiseach getting drowned wet here in what is supposed to be the finest stadium in Europe," he said yesterday. And, he added that they were also examining ways in which substitutes nowadays accommodated in the front rows can be better looked after.

Asked if they had considered roofing the stadium, Mr Kelly said that it would obviously make sense. "I'm quite sure it will probably happen in time. Technology keeps changing. In a few years it could be quite possible," he said.

More immediately, with initial work on the construction of the new Hill 16 terrace underway, the leadership can only hope that it will be available for next season's Leinster football final. "That was our initial hope and it's not ruled out," said director-general Liam Mulvihill. "The target date the builders have given us is the All-Ireland (hurling) final. Anything they hand over before that would be a bonus. That is the way we have operated right from the beginning in redeveloping the stadium."

The cost of the terrace which will be divided in the centre to facilitate the entry on the pitch of emergency and other services will amount to approximately 27m. That will bring the overall stadium debt to close to 100m. Mr Mulvihill explained that he was not in a position to answer a question about annual interest repayments, pointing out that they negotiated with the banks as they required borrowings. "We will negotiate as we go along in terms of drawing down tranches of the money. In some cases we may be paying interest on an annualised basis and in others on a bulk basis when corporate money becomes available."

He also pointed out that a considerable amount of money is owing on Phase 3, on the Hogan Side, with work to be completed between the Hogan and the Nally Square.

Overall borrowings will amount to 98m and this includes a figure of 1m to cover renovations on the Cusack Stand side, which was the first phase to be completed. Before they can start reselling ticket packages, a substantial upgrading will have be to be carried out, said Mr Mulvihill. The most substantial part will involve work on the corporate boxes, which in some cases may have to be re-configured where existing lease-holders want a bigger suite.

Painting and replacement of seats and carpets will also have to be carried out. And, factoring in money for this type of ongoing work will be a feature of budgets every year from now on.

Meanwhile, in relation to the planned hotel opposite Croke Park, for which planning permission was granted last week, Mr Kelly revealed that local residents had been aware of developments from an early stage. "We explained everything from the very out, before any of our own members knew anything about it. The residents were called together and shown the plans. And, where they had some reservations, they were taken on board and some alterations were made, both in the size and height," he said.

"By and large the vast majority of residents recognised that this is the best development they could have there. At some stage it had to be developed for something. This is probably the best. It will totally enhance the area. Living near a four-star hotel is better than many of the alternatives that is the way most of the residents look at it. It's understandable that it will be uncomfortable when building is going ahead."

Mr Kelly pointed out that the GAA had been "very good" to the residents, for instance by financing a community centre at the cost of £1m. "We have tried to be very fair and understanding, but there are times on match days when things might not be all to their satisfaction. But, by and large we have a very good relationship with them."

He said that having a structure in place where both sides could meet and make their points known, made it much easier to solve problems.

* The president said the cost of the hotel will not put them under any financial strain.