Clare offered 42,000 capacity stadium in Cusack Park swap deal

A GROUP of businessmen have offered Clare GAA chiefs a new purpose-built 42,000 capacity stadium on a green-field site on the outskirts of Ennis in exchange for Cusack Park.

Clare PRO Des Crowe said the matter will be discussed by his executive at a meeting tonight and then presented to the clubs for a decision.

The offer from three leading Banner businessmen is, that in exchange for Cusack Park, the consortium would build a 42,000 capacity stadium with seating for 10,000, changing rooms, gymnasium and new headquarters for the board.

The new stadium would be built on a site half a mile from the present ground and within easy access of the town, close to the bus and railway stations. Also included in the development will be 800 on site car parking spaces.

County Board chairman Mike McDonagh described the €30 million package “as a very substantial offer and gives a lot of food for thought. Ennis deserves a great stadium and this is a great chance.”

Mr McDonagh said the board’s officers will be briefed on the proposal tonight, with an expert group likely to be appointed to evaluate it and any others that come before the Board.

Mr McDonagh said he expects a second proposal to be made to the board from a separate consortium in the next two weeks.

The businessmen offering the e package is led by one of the country’s most successful builders, Lisdoonvarna man Bernard McNamara of Michael McNamara & Co.

The others are Ennis property developers Sean Lyne and Noel Connellan, who own 15 acres in the Quin Road area where they propose to construct the new stadium.

According to a spokesman for the three, the Cusack Park site - which is located in Ennis Town Centre - would be transformed into a shopping centre. The proposal would also require Ennis Town Council to rezone Cusack Park for commercial use.

The promoters believe the development of a significant shopping centre in the town centre and a major sports facility at the edge of Ennis is very much in accordance with Ennis & Environs Development Plan. This should assist the local authority planners in granting the necessary permission.

“It’s a tremendous offer and one that will be very carefully scrutinised before any decision is taken,” said Des Crowe. “We have been told that within 18 months of the date planning permission has been received and the signing of an agreement, the new stadium would be available to us.”

Asked if the historical significance of Cusack Park, named after one of the founders of the GAA Michael Cusack, would be lost if the ground is demolished, Mr. Crowe insisted. “The construction of a new state-of-the-art Cusack Park would only enhance the memory of Michael Cusack.”

A survey of Clare’s 54 clubs earlier this month found that 72% of clubs were in favour of leaving Cusack Park with 17% against and 5% offering no view.

Should the Board decide against relocating to a greenfield site, it has planning permission for a €5 million upgrade of Cusack Park.