Thomond Park redevelopment gets green light

THOMOND PARK is to remain the headquarters of Munster rugby.

A statement to that effect will be issued today by the IRFU. Negotiations with the residents of what is known as “The Banana Block”, on the Ballynanty side of the ground, have been successfully completed and consultant architects are already drawing up plans for the reconstruction of the famous Limerick venue.

It is understood that agreement has yet to be reached with the Limerick Corporation concerning the purchase of about six derelict homes in the area. It isn’t expected that there will be any difficulty in this regard and plans should be ready to go before the relevant authorities within five or six months.

The intention is to present the builders with a green field site. It will be appreciably larger than the present ground, which will allow for the erection of a new stand on what is known as the ‘far’ side of the pitch, as well as ample terracing.

The present stand will be demolished and replaced by a modern edifice paving the way for a capacity of 25,000.

The IRFU, who own Thomond Park, made known their dissatisfaction with the current limit of 13,500 some time ago. Initial negotiations with the residents yielded little progress, forcing the union to look at alternative locations. However, they re-opened talks with the home-owners and the deal has now been legally tied down. It is hoped to have the new stadium available for the 2008/’09 season.

There is also the likelihood that Thomond Park will house at least one international in August, 2007. Ireland have arranged World Cup warm up matches against South Africa and Italy, and with Lansdowne Road under reconstruction, Thomond Park holds the biggest ground capacity available to the IRFU.

So it’s likely that the Springboks will line out at Thomond Park for the first time since 1970, when they defeated Munster 25-9.