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.

The absence of floodlights would almost certainly rule Pearse Stadium out as a possible Rugby World Cup venue. It is expected that eight GAA venues will be used among 12 proposed grounds in the IRFU bid.

A decision on permanent erection of floodlights is expected next month, before Galway open their league campaign at the venue on February 1.

In addition, the redevelopment of Casement Park is also mired in doubt. Despite a High Court decision yesterday to quash the planning application for its redevelopment, Ulster GAA chiefs insist that they won’t give up on their attempts.

The GAA had applied to construct a 38,000-seater stadium on the site, a plan approved by the North’s environment minister, Mark Durkan.

On foot of an objection from local residents, the decision went to court and, having already ruled Mr Durkan acted unlawfully in approving the plan, Mr Justice Horner has now rescinded the decision.

“Whilst we are disappointed with today’s judgment,” said Tom Daly, chairman of the Casement Park Project Board, “we are fully committed to transforming Casement Park and building a provincial stadium for Ulster which will provide a longstanding legacy for Gaelic Games as well as significant social and economic benefits.

“We welcome that the judgment found the siting, size and scale of the Casement Park development were not contrary to planning policy.”

Mr Daly said there was a strong resolve within the GAA to submit a new planning application in 2015.