The GAA has been granted planning permission by Cork County Council for the €70 million redevelopment of Pairc Uí Caoimh in Cork.
It is hoped that work will begin on transforming the facility into a 45,000 capacity stadium as early as September of this year.
The project will last for two years and is expected to create a minimum of 400 local jobs during that time.
As well as the stadium there will be a new centre of excellence alongside including a full all weather pitch, dressing rooms, performance analysis suites and medical facilities.
Funded by GAA
The development is being funded by the GAA and will take place in parallel to the redevelopment of the newly named Irish Independent (Musgrave) Park by Munster Rugby.
“The new stadium will address a deficit in Cork’s business and tourism infrastructure and create an ongoing economic dividend for Cork,” said Bob Ryan, Chairman of the Cork County GAA Board.
Rugby World Cup
The facility will be available for concerts in the city and may also be included in planning for the bid to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
It will now be the fourth largest sporting facility in the country behind Croke Park with an 82,000 capacity, Semple Stadium in Thurles with 53,000, and the Aviva Stadium at 50,000.
There is still a likelihood, given local opposition to the plans, that the decision will be referred to an Bord Pleanala but the key element in the process has now been passed and this will be a major boost for sport in the countries second largest city.
