by Tony McGrath

Niall O’Driscoll ,President of the Munster Branch of the IRFU,pictured here with John Kelly - © Inpho/Billy Stickland

• Construction of 6,500 stand at Musgrave Park
• Redevelopment of Thomond Park to a capacity of 26,000
• Construction of dressing rooms at Cois Laoi, Cork
• Purchase and development of 10 acre amenity site in Limerick city

Niall O'Driscoll, President of Munster Branch, advised at our recent meeting that the overall development budget is in the order of €33m, of which €10m is hoped to be funded under the tax-driven charitable donation scheme - the balance being funded by sale of some land on Kinsale Road side of Musgrave Park; National Lottery grants; private investors; and other funding arrangements

Musgrave Park
Niall told us that the plans for the demolition of the existing stand and the construction of a new 6,500 capacity stand (not 5,000 capacity as stated in some reports) to the western side of Musgrave Park are nearing finalisation and that an application for planning permission is due to be lodged with Cork City Council in early January. These plans have been discussed with the Planning Dept. and a parking impact study is been prepared.

The soon to be redeveloped Musgrave Park will bring much needed improvements to the ground. © Irish Examiner

Subject to a successful planning process, it is expected that the works will commence in mid-2005 and will be completed prior to the start of the 2006/7 season. In addition to a new stand, changing facilities, administration offices, Gym, and medical rooms are also being provided.

Niall said that the tenant clubs at Musgrave Park are being kept informed as to the proposed development.

The design of the stand is such that it could be part of an overall wrap-around stand development in the future should there be a demand for same. The new stand will increase the capacity at Musgrave Park to 13,000.

In response to our question, which originated from comments by members, as to why it was intended to spend €7.8m in a ground that would not be used for Heineken Cup matches and should all monies be prioritised for the development of Thomond Park, Niall commented that Cork provided a very large support base for Munster Rugby and had a large rugby playing population.

He said that the existing facilities at Musgrave Park are so far below the standard required for professional rugby - in terms of both player and spectator facilities - so as to put the future of playing professional games in Musgrave Park at risk if the ground is not developed in the short term. Niall believes that the Celtic League will grow into a very competitive and well-attended competition and that Cork needs to have a ground capable of hosting such matches.

Niall advised that the construction programme is such that it will allow the playing of Celtic League matches while the building works are advancing.

Niall knew of no approach to Cork City soccer club with a view to ground sharing but accepted that this is something that could be discussed in the future.

Thomond Park
In response to our comment about the end of the notion of a new stadium in Charleville, Niall indicated that this had been presented in certain press as the ideal solution whereas, at the time the Development Committee, was considering all options for a larger stadium for Munster Rugby which included - redevelopment of Thomond Park, redevelopment of Musgrave Park or construction of new facility on a green field site.

A resplendent Thomond Park prior to a recent International. © Inpho/Billy Stickland

The fact that 43,000 Munster supporters were at Lansdowne Road for the semi-final against Wasps and the huge demand for tickets for the Stade Francais and Gloucester games indicated that the existing capacity of our largest ground is inadequate for the growing support of Munster Rugby.

As chairman of the Development Committee for the past 2 years, Niall said that all options were considered and it is now accepted that Thomond Park will be the main centre for Munster Rugby having become its spiritual home, thus allowing the title of Fortress Thomond to continue. The central location of Limerick within the province was also a factor in the decision making process.

Niall said that as Thomond Park is owned by the I.R.F.U., they have put a Grounds Development Sub-Committee in place to report on the proposed development of all I.R.F.U.-owned grounds. Pat Whelan is one of the members of this Committee.

It is intended to construct a new stadium at Thomond Park with a capacity of 26,000 - 15,000-seated accommodation and 11,000 terraced. The final design is not yet complete and a number of alternatives are being considered and discussed with the I.R.F.U. including:

• Purchasing lands and houses on the eastern side and constructing 2 new East and West stands
• Moving the pitch westward and constructing new East and West stands

The most economic and feasible option has not yet been decided but an early decision is expected so as to allow the drawings to be finalised and planning permission sought to facilitate the start of construction works after the final pool game of the Heineken Cup in early - 2006 and completion before commencement of 2007/8 season.

It is expected that Munster will play their matches in Musgrave Park for the 2006/7 season while Thomond Park is being redeveloped.

Niall is not on the I.R.F.U. Grounds Development Sub- Committee but is not aware of any plans to sell the naming rights for the ground - thus allowing the name Thomond Park to remain. Neither is he aware of any plans to sell 10-year corporate tickets for the ground so ensuring that the increased capacity will be available for all Munster Supporters.

Amenity lands, Limerick
Niall told us that contracts for the purchase of a 10 acre amenity site in Limerick are currently with the Branch solicitors. Discussions are ongoing with the Planning Officials with regard to the construction of playing pitches on this facility.

It is hoped that this will be a major centre for club and underage rugby in Limerick.

Cois Laoi, Cork
Niall advised that the Munster Branch have a 99-year lease from Cork County Council on the playing pitches at Cois Laoi on the Carrigrohane Road in Cork.

It is hoped to construct dressing rooms at this facility to allow the lands to be used for training for the professional and other Munster teams and also for the playing of underage and club matches.

Fund Rising Scheme
Details of the fundraising scheme are available to view here

Niall confirmed that Munster Rugby have received approval from the Dept. of Arts, Sports & Tourism for the 4 developments to be accepted within the Sports Capital Projects scheme.

This scheme allows any donation, in excess of the minimum of €250, to be deducted against tax at the rate being paid by the individual donor. For PAYE Taxpayers in the 42% tax-bracket, a donation of €145 equates as the minimum and the balance of €105 will be contributed from the Revenue Commissioners from the donor's tax payments. As payment can be made by a number of direct debits, the minimum donation equates to €12.08 per month for a year.

For self-employed taxpayers, a gross cheque should be issued to Munster Rugby Development and a deduction should be made in the submission of your accounts for the tax-year upon which the donation is made.

The scheme expressly prohibits any inducement attached to the donation so there can be no guarantee of a ticket for any donor in the future. However, the construction of a stadium of 26,000 capacity should be sufficient to allow a season ticket to be purchased by every member of the Supporters Club and all die-hard Munster fans.

It is acknowledged that there are many demands from well deserving causes for donations from members but you are requested to consider a donation to Munster Rugby Development

• To underwrite the development of grounds suitable for the players and supporters of Munster Rugby
• To improve the facilities for the professional and underage game for this and future generations
• To assist in securing the future of Munster Rugby who will benefit from increased players within the province, increased revenue on match days, and increased revenue from the facilities on non-match days.

This is your chance to turn your passion into concrete for the better of Munster Rugby and you are encouraged to consider a donation.

At the conclusion of the meeting Niall requested that we pass on a wish of a Happy Christmas to all Munster Supporters.

Details of the scheme and a donation form can be downloaded here.

by Tony McGrath