Munster aim to start work in March

RUGBY:The Munster Branch have pencilled in early March for the start of the redevelopment of Thomond Park although the project remains dependent on planning permission. And then there is the potential process of objections to An Bord Pleanála.

Nine objections have already been lodged regarding the €40 million redevelopment that will transform the ground from the current 13,200 capacity to a 26,000-capacity modern facility.

"We are hoping to satisfy the current problem," said Pat Whelan, chairman of the redevelopment committee. "There have been nine observations, which are all legitimate - general objections like traffic congestion - but we are confident of meeting requirements on these. There has been widespread support from the community on the plan in general."

A stand-off did develop last year with local residents initially refusing to sell off 13 properties to the Munster Branch - to facilitate the development - but this issue has since been addressed with each property being purchased through individual deals. A further three houses were bought off the corporation.

So far 1,100 tickets have been sold for the East Stand, adjacent to the current main stand, and Munster announced yesterday another 1,500 advance 10-year tickets are available for €5,500. The deal is attractive as it guarantees a seat between the 22s, three Heineken European Cup pool games (an agreement has been rubberstamped to keep Munster at the Limerick venue for European games until 2018) and four Magners Celtic League games.

The option to purchase tickets for other representative matches at the ground, run by Munster Rugby, and home matches at larger venues (like a European quarter-final in Dublin) is also part of the deal. Ticket holders will have priority to renew if the scheme is extended.

Munster hope to reopen the ground, where they have not been beaten in 12 years of the European competition, in autumn 2008.

"Since we formally unveiled the architect's plans for the redevelopment of Thomond Park, coupled with Munster's continued success in the Heineken Cup, we have been inundated with inquiries about advance ticket purchase," continued Whelan, "and not just from Munster but from people around the country."

Architects Murray O'Laoire and Stadia Architects AFL are involved in the process that will include 15,000 stand seats and 11,000 terrace seats.

Two sweeping arches will be the overriding feature of the stadium with the new focal point being a concourse outside the new East Stand.

Based on a first-come first-served principle, the 10-year ticket offer can be secured on-line, via, www.thomondpark.ie or through The Hospitality Partnership, e-mail: info@thp.ie; telephone: 00-353 (0)1 6762728; fax: 00 353 (0) 1 6766121.

Meanwhile, the Donnybrook gates will open at 4pm on Saturday for the European Cup game against Edinburgh, kick-off 5.35pm. Any tickets purchased online today or after, can be collected from the Leinster Branch Office (across the road from the ground beside the National Irish Bank) from 3.30pm on Saturday. All terrace ticket holders will enter via the Old Wesley turnstiles; cash will not be taken at the turnstiles. Season-ticket swipe cards will not be accepted. Individual tickets have been issued for this game in advance.