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Páirc Uí Chaoimh will get a long-awaited makeover.
Time For A Makeover

Planning permission granted for Cork GAA's €70m redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh

A centre of excellence is also set to be developed at the venue in the Ballintemple area of Cork.

Updated 7.30pm

CORK GAA HAS received a major boost with planning permission granted by Cork City Council for the €70m project that will see the re-development of Páirc Uí Chaoimh into a 45,000 seater stadium and the development of a centre of excellence.

The announcement gives the green light for work to commence on the long-awaited project, subject to certain conditions, at the stadium in the Ballintemple area of Cork.

Cork GAA chairman Bob Ryan described it as ‘tremendous news’ in an official statement with the project set to create 400 jobs and give a €22m boost to the local economy.

“Cork City Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of Pairc Ui Chaoimh and the establishment of a centre of excellence is tremendous news for the GAA , for sport and for the city and county of Cork.

“In the first instance, the redevelopment will provide top class facilities and meet contemporary expectations of players and spectators. It will ensure that Cork has a proper home to showcase its games and an infrastructure to develop young players into the future.

“There are many other noteworthy outcomes from the redevelopment. This is a €70 million project that will create some 400 direct and indirect construction jobs and give a €22 million boost to the local economy.

“Once completed, the “new” Pairc Ui Chaoimh will house state of the art playing and training facilities, performance assessment and rehab facilities, an all weather pitch, restaurants, conference facilities and a museum. The new development will address a deficit in Cork’s business and tourism infrastructure and create an ongoing economic dividend for Cork.

“It should be remembered that a major fixture or public event at at Pairc Ui Chaoimh can generate an estimated €10 million for the local economy, with the main beneficiaries being the hospitality sector. This activity converts into real jobs for the people of Cork.”

Pedersen Focus Ltd Pedersen Focus Ltd

Marina Park

Ryan went on to welcome the City Council’s plans for the Marina Park in the city.

“Cork County Board is pleased to see the City Council’s plans for the redevelopment of Marina Park within which Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be now an integral part. The Board has worked very closely with Cork City Council and its appointed consultants for Marina Park to ensure that the facility integrates with the public park.

“From feedback we are receiving, we believe the second playing pitch that will enable adults and children watch their county players training, or to stop a for a few minutes to view pitch activity as part of the recreational use of the park, will be warmly welcomed by many people. The all weather playing pitch will also provide welcome playing and recreational facilities for local schools and clubs.

Bob Ryan Bob Ryan hailed the development as 'tremendous news'. Tommy Grealy / INPHO Tommy Grealy / INPHO / INPHO

“The Board is committed to seeking further improvement to the management of the stadium environs, compatible with the redevelopment and establishment of the Centre of Excellence.

“We welcome the fact that the board’s proposal to appoint a liaison officer to optimise the management of the new facilities and to facilitate contact with local residents forms part of the requirements for the development.

!It is our belief that the resolution of any outstanding local issues is best served and in some respects, can only be served, in the context of a redeveloped stadium and the new management structures to be put in place for the facility.”

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