Thomond and Musgrave Park projects unveiled

Munster grounds redevelopment: Thomond Park is to undergo major reconstruction as part of a €30 million development announced by Munster Rugby.

The capacity of Limerick rugby's citadel would be increased to 26,000 making it the second largest rugby stadium in Ireland behind Lansdowne Road.

The president of the Munster Branch, Niall O'Driscoll, unveiled plans at the University of Limerick illustrating the new initiative that would see the upgrading of not alone Thomond Park but also Musgrave Park as well as the provision of additional playing and training facilities to develop age-grade rugby in the province.

Musgrave Park is to get a new 6,500-seat stand to replace the existing structure. The finance for the project will be provided by a major fund-raising drive under the auspices of a tax-based scheme, namely the Sports Capital Tax legislation.

The plans devised by the development sub-committee of the Munster Branch are geared towards providing better playing and spectator facilities across the province. The committee are negotiating the purchase of a 10-acre site in Limerick City specifically for club and age-grade rugby. Dressing-room and storage facilities will also be built at the Cois Laoi facility in Cork.

O'Driscoll said: "Our ability to develop the game further will depend on us providing the appropriate structures and facilities for players at all levels, from age-grade through to the professional team. The development of Thomond and Musgrave Park will also allow us provide the capacity required to accommodate the increasing number of supporters who want to share in the unique Munster rugby experience."

O'Driscoll pointed out while aware of the fond regard in which Thomond Park is held for visiting supporters if not teams given Munster's home record, there was an urgent requirement to upgrade the facilities and that the development would allow a greater number of supporters access to match tickets. He also elaborated on the workings of the Sports Capital tax scheme.

"Individuals can make donations of €250 upwards to the scheme and depending on the tax bracket they are on, the revenue will also make a contribution.Local businesses benefit from treating corporate donations as a deductible trading expense."

He added additional funding for the project will include private investors, National Lottery funding and other sources.

The fund-raising tax scheme has a target of €10 million. The sub-committee hope to submit planning applications in early 2005. The new increased capacity at Thomond Park would allow Munster Rugby to look at the possibility of selling season tickets incorporating Celtic League and Heineken Cup rugby to complement other commercial ventures.