Cork Board expect quick resolution to EU probe into Páirc Uí Chaoimh redevelopment

The Cork County Board has shrugged reports that the EU probe into the €30million State grant given towards the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh could jeopardise the project.

By Stephen Barry

The Cork County Board has shrugged reports that the EU probe into the €30m State grant given towards the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh could jeopardise the project.

The Sunday Independent reported today that the unexpected intervention from the EU could put the development under threat. However a three-line statement from Cork GAA officials noted that “the Board anticipates a speedy and successful conclusion to the process”.

The Board also expressed their confidence that the project “meets all the conditions for State funding under the Public Spending Code”.

The State aid for the project was sanctioned by the Cabinet in October after earlier reports that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform had concerns over the funding aspect of the business plan for the stadium.

The grant is part of a €70m investment that will upgrade the stadium to a 45,000-capacity, state-of-the-art stadium, which was scheduled for completion in July 2017. The stadium is also a part of Ireland’s bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The stands at either side of the pitch have already been demolished this summer.

The EU investigation has arisen due to the grant’s size and will check for a breach in regulations around State aid, with today’s report noting that the investigation, even if it results in the grant being handed over, could delay the project by 12 months.

However the Cork County Board hinted at a shorter timeframe. Their statement in full said:

“The Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium re-development project meets all the conditions for State funding under the Public Spending Code.

The Board has been made aware of a process that has to be undertaken by Government with the EU with regard to State aid.

The Board and the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport are working closely together and the Board anticipates a speedy and successful conclusion to the process.”