Sunday September 25th 2005
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BRENDAN FANNING
MUNSTER may be moving out of Thomond Park for good if the IRFU decide that a new stadium on a greenfield site is the best option for the future of rugby in Limerick. And currently they are looking at other potential sites.
A decision is expected soon on the future of the ground, which currently is off limits after an attack by vandals that left the pitch unplayable until next month. There is a massive history tying Munster to the venue, which is owned by the IRFU, but last week Union chief executive Philip Browne said he is not convinced about staying there.
"Maybe we'll do something else," he said. "At the end of the day your interests have to be served, and if it can't be done in Thomond Park then maybe it can be done somewhere else. There are various options which are being explored. Thomond Park is one of them, but the bottom line is that at the moment it's inadequate both in terms of capacity and spectator facilities. It can only work if we can get a site within the ground to put up the stadium we want."
Neither Browne nor other union sources would divulge the locations of the other options. The attraction of a greenfield site would obviate the current impasse with residents who live adjacent to the ground. There is a reluctance from people who have lived there all their lives to sell up and move on.
When the original plans were being drawn up last year for the redevelopment of the ground, it wasn't envisaged that neighbours would be disturbed. That scheme involved turning the pitch 90 degrees, knocking the existing structures and building a 26,000 capacity facility with seating for 15,000, including 15 corporate boxes. Along with plans to upgrade Musgrave Park, and buy a plot of land in Limerick for a training facility, the total package was priced at €31m. The cost was to be shared between private investors, who could avail of a tax break on capital grants to sporting bodies, the IRFU and the National Lottery.
Subsequently, it is understood, it emerged that the design wasn't so straightforward, and thereafter Munster looked at building on the same imprint. That's where the residents came in.
The situation was further compounded by the attack 10 days ago which left about 300 holes dug in the pitch. As an act of vandalism it was remarkably energetic. There is no suggestion that it is connected with the IRFU's attempts to buy out the local residents, rather it is another episode in a stadium that has had ongoing security issues. But the most pressing concern is the capacity of the site to deliver comfort for fans and finance to Munster.
"One of the downsides to Thomond is that there would be a big bang, in that you wouldn't be able to produce what you wanted over a phased basis, so you could end up with no stadium there for a season or longer," says Browne. "And the other downside is that if you can't assemble the property you need to make it work, then it won't work, in which case there's no point in spending good money after bad. The various options are being looked at, and the risks attached to each one, and we'll go with whatever's best."
Meanwhile, the Gaelic Grounds, less than a mile from Thomond Park, has been refurbished, leaving the GAA with four of the six county grounds enjoying capacities of 40,000 or more. And none of them a ground share operation. There is no suggestion that the potential availability to rugby of Croke Park has any implications for Limerick.
IRFU considering a greenfield site for Munster
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IRFU considering a greenfield site for Munster
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From the Irish Indo.............................
Nice try: rugby neighbours want €350,000 for their homes
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THE IRFU could have to pay up two-and-a-half times the market value for houses on land it needs to save the spiritual home of Munster rugby.
The future of the venue where the legendary All Blacks suffered their one and only defeat to an Irish side - Munster beat them 12-0 there in 1978 - hangs on a vital deal with 11 householders for their homes on land adjacent to the hallowed Thomond Park ground.
But it has now emerged that the IRFU, which owns the ground, has been told by at least one householder that he/she wants in excess of €350,000 for the family home on Knocklisheen Road, known locally as the 'Banana Bend' because of its curved terrace.
EXCHANGE
The local authority, which owns three more houses on the terrace that the IRFU will need to facilitate the redevelopment of Thomond, will also have a role to play but is more than likely to request that the IRFU provides it with three houses elsewhere in exchange rather than a cash deal.
A deal with the house-owners appeared dead and buried after they rejected the initial offer of market value (€135,000) plus €40,000 for their homes. But last week the IRFU, which has engaged consultant engineers ARUP to examine the options for a new Munster venue, asked the householders to name their price once and for all.
One householder is thought to have asked for in excess of €350,000, although the IRFU last night declined to comment on this on the grounds of a confidentiality deal they have agreed with the potential vendors.
Speaking last night, a senior Munster-based source ruled out any suggestion that the IRFU is going to the house-owners with an open cheque but instead is simply trying to ascertain exactly how much this option would cost.
"We have engaged consultants to examine options and conduct a feasibility study in the Limerick area regarding the development of a new stadium and this process is part of that. We have neither ruled in nor ruled out the redevelopment of Thomond but must weigh up how much it will cost before we make a decision on that option.
OPEN MIND
"At the end of the day, all options will be examined with an open mind and the best decision for Munster rugby and fans will be taken."
The IRFU is not commenting on the likely outcome but it is understood that a move to a greenfield site in Limerick will become a certainty once, as would now appear to be the case due to the figure being demanded, the redevelopment of Thomond Park is no longer feasible.
The Irish Independent also understands that among the options being considered is a 22-acre site at the University of Limerick campus. The IRFU is expected to make the Knocklisheen householders aware by Friday week next of whether or not it is interested in purchasing the houses at the price sought.
Eugene Hogan
Nice try: rugby neighbours want €350,000 for their homes
ADVERTISEMENT
THE IRFU could have to pay up two-and-a-half times the market value for houses on land it needs to save the spiritual home of Munster rugby.
The future of the venue where the legendary All Blacks suffered their one and only defeat to an Irish side - Munster beat them 12-0 there in 1978 - hangs on a vital deal with 11 householders for their homes on land adjacent to the hallowed Thomond Park ground.
But it has now emerged that the IRFU, which owns the ground, has been told by at least one householder that he/she wants in excess of €350,000 for the family home on Knocklisheen Road, known locally as the 'Banana Bend' because of its curved terrace.
EXCHANGE
The local authority, which owns three more houses on the terrace that the IRFU will need to facilitate the redevelopment of Thomond, will also have a role to play but is more than likely to request that the IRFU provides it with three houses elsewhere in exchange rather than a cash deal.
A deal with the house-owners appeared dead and buried after they rejected the initial offer of market value (€135,000) plus €40,000 for their homes. But last week the IRFU, which has engaged consultant engineers ARUP to examine the options for a new Munster venue, asked the householders to name their price once and for all.
One householder is thought to have asked for in excess of €350,000, although the IRFU last night declined to comment on this on the grounds of a confidentiality deal they have agreed with the potential vendors.
Speaking last night, a senior Munster-based source ruled out any suggestion that the IRFU is going to the house-owners with an open cheque but instead is simply trying to ascertain exactly how much this option would cost.
"We have engaged consultants to examine options and conduct a feasibility study in the Limerick area regarding the development of a new stadium and this process is part of that. We have neither ruled in nor ruled out the redevelopment of Thomond but must weigh up how much it will cost before we make a decision on that option.
OPEN MIND
"At the end of the day, all options will be examined with an open mind and the best decision for Munster rugby and fans will be taken."
The IRFU is not commenting on the likely outcome but it is understood that a move to a greenfield site in Limerick will become a certainty once, as would now appear to be the case due to the figure being demanded, the redevelopment of Thomond Park is no longer feasible.
The Irish Independent also understands that among the options being considered is a 22-acre site at the University of Limerick campus. The IRFU is expected to make the Knocklisheen householders aware by Friday week next of whether or not it is interested in purchasing the houses at the price sought.
Eugene Hogan
Stand up for PICU R.V.H.