GAA’s stadium wrangles could dent Rugby World Cup plans

The future of two GAA grounds earmarked for Ireland’s 2023 Rugby World Cup bid remains in doubt following events yesterday.

GAA officials in Galway are anxiously awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the erection of floodlights at Pearse Stadium in Salthill, with seven appeals lodged against Galway City Council’s decision to grant permission to the project. A spokesperson for Galway GAA said they could deal with the issues raised and allowed the permission for the floodlights to proceed.

“Galway GAA is confident that it can respond to all of the issues raised, to enable An Bord Pleanála make its decision,” he said. Temporary lights were introduced in October 2006 when a capacity crowd turned up for the International Rules clash between Ireland and Australia. However, plans to erect permanent floodlights have been strongly opposed by some residents in the area.