Plans were unveiled in Limerick yesterday for a €40 million redevelopment of the home of Munster rugby - Thomond Park.It is intended to expand the Limerick venue from its 13,000 capacity to a 26,000-capacity stadium.
Thomond Park, where Munster beat the All-Blacks in 1978, is considered too small by modern standards, particularly given Munster's recent success in the Heineken European Cup.
Confirmation yesterday that work begins early in 2007 follows nearly a year of talks with local residents whose homes had to be bought before any redevelopment could go ahead.
It is understood the householders on Knocklisheen Road, Ballynanty, adjoining Thomond Park, each received an average of €400,000 - about twice the market value of their homes.
The Thomond Park Redevelopment Committee yesterday thanked the residents without whose co-operation they said the project could have been jeopardised. The process began when the IRFU appointed consultancy firm Arup last year to examine possibility for providing a bigger stadium for Munster rugby. Arup examined several sites before recommending the redevelopment of Thomond Park.
The project, designed by Murray O'Laoire architects and Stadia Architects AFL, involves the construction of two stands with a seating capacity of 15,000 and a terrace capacity of 11,000.
At yesterday's presentation, president of the Munster branch of the IRFU Ken Lyons said Munster were unbeaten in 11 years of competition in the Heineken European Cup in Thomond Park.
"There are few rugby followers in the world who are not aware of the history and great traditions associated with rugby at Thomond Park. This wonderful redevelopment project is entirely fitting."