Council expected to back Thomond redevelopment

A special meeting of Limerick City Council will take place today to discuss the proposed €40 million redevelopment of Thomond…

A special meeting of Limerick City Council will take place today to discuss the proposed €40 million redevelopment of Thomond Park.

The hallowed rugby ground will host its last Heineken Cup match this weekend and it is hoped work will commence in the coming months on a redevelopment project that would see the stadium's capacity increased to 29,000.

However, because the proposed development extends to land zoned residential in the city development plan for 2004, the council must meet to formally approve the project.

Planning regulations require that this "material contravention" of the city development plan be approved by at least three-quarters of the council.

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Planning officials have recommended that it be approved. Today's meeting is expected to see the redevelopment project fully supported by council members.

One Ballynanty resident, however, has objected to the contravention of the city development plan. His objections, which concern noise levels and parking, will be heard today.

Meanwhile, Munster fans still looking for tickets for the last Heineken Cup match to be played in the existing Thomond Park on Saturday have been invited to take part in a competition running for the next three days on RTÉ's Today with Pat Kenny radio show.

HALLOWED GROUND: Final match for Thomond Park

Two tickets for Saturday's clash between Munster and Leicester Tigers are available for the best attempt at completing the following limerick: "There was a Red Army from Munster . . ."

The prize of two stand tickets also includes accommodation in Limerick's new George Boutique Hotel, a €1,000 Brown Thomas voucher and free transport to and from the match.

Entries to this competition can be e-mailed to: todaypk@rte.ie or posted to Today with Pat Kenny, RTÉ, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, January 17th.