Cork GAA unveil plans for €22million refurbishment of Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Cork GAA yesterday unveiled plans for the € 22 million redevelopment and modernisation of Páirc Uí Chaoimh along with the development of a centre of excellence which will include a full sized all weather training facility.

The redevelopment of Pairc Ui Chaoimh is part of the first phase of the €67 million redevelopment of Marina Park in the Cork Docklands which was approved last week by Cork City Council and the project will go for planning permission in October.

Yesterday Cork County Board chairman, Bob Ryan revealed details of the refurbishment of the 37-year-old stadium which will see capacity increase from its current level of 43,500 to 45,000 with the redevelopment of both stands and both terraces.

Under the plan, the existing current stand which has a capacity of 9,000 will be demolished and replaced by a three-tier stand with a capacity of 13,000 while the uncovered stand will be redesigned and roofed with a capacity of 8,000 (down from 9,000) while terrace capacity will remain at 24,000.

A full size all-weather training pitch measuring 145 metres by 90 metres with a five metre surround will be developed adjacent to the stadium on the former Munster Agricultural Showgrounds site with a public viewing area with a 1,000 spectator capacity.

According to Mr Ryan, the refurbished stadium will also involve the construction of new dressing rooms, a pre-match warm up area, medical facilities, a museum, additional turnstills and the elimination of the existing stadium tunnels

Mr Ryan said that the project will take two years to complete once planning permission has been obtained, creating 300 construction jobs in the process with Páirc Uí Chaoimh closing during construction with club and county games being hosted instead in nearby Páirc Uí Rinn.

BARRY ROCHE