With phase one of the Walsh Park redevelopment complete, Waterford GAA officials are now putting all their energy into ensuring that phase two can commence as quickly as possible.
In January this year, the sod was turned on the site, which meant Waterford played their 2023 home Munster SHC games in Thurles.
The whole project was costed at around €12m, up from an estimated €7m when planning permission was first granted in 2019.
Building costs have since soared again but the Waterford board was delighted to come in on time - and on budget - for the first phase of the programme, which provided a new uncovered northern stand with an estimated capacity of 3,400, along with the refurbishment of the existing southern stand.
That development work was clear for all to see yesterday as the ground reopened to spectators for De La Salle's thrilling Waterford SHC semi-final win over Roanmore.
There are two further phases of the development still to be undertaken, but the board is adamant they will proceed steadily and only when everything is in place.
Phase two centres on the Keane's Road entrance. Work there could start in the next few months, provided that all parties involved in the project are satisfied to commence.
This stage will focus on improved facilities for players, match officials and spectators. It will include a covered 1,300-seater stand, along with dressing rooms and an administration building. The current estimated cost of this phase stands in the region of €8 million.
Phase three will see the City End terrace being turned into a banked terrace with a new entrance.
Ultimately, and possibly by the end of 2025, Walsh Park will be transformed into a compact, spectator-friendly, venue, with a capacity of 14,000 that could rise to 16,000.
The county board is certainly off to a promising start with 8,500 seats now installed for just €3.5 million, a relatively modest sum amidst the current construction and inflation costs.
"We are absolutely delighted to have come in on time and on budget," Waterford GAA chairperson Sean Michael O'Regan told RTE Sport.
"We have two stands, and we still have our two end terraces. It all means we can proceed with our development work and still have our Munster championship matches there next year.
"The next challenge now is to look at Keane's Road and provide new dressing rooms, new referee rooms and make life better for the spectators whilst also taking into account rising costs of construction. I would like to develop a terrace similar to Hill 16. We haven't gone to tender on it yet, so there are no specific financial costings yet."
"I am not putting a timeline on when we start and finish that stage until after we consult again with all our stakeholders – the project team, the Government, the Munster Council, Croke Park – and make sure that everyone is ready to continue. But every party is committed to completing this project and communication is ongoing.
"We would all love to throw every bit of energy into getting this project done as quickly as possible, but this is the best way for Waterford GAA to proceed."
The work has already received a government grant of over €3 million and the county board remains in regular consultation with Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne.
A successful house draw has been in operation and a new commercial arm of the county board established but O'Regan feels Walsh Park itself can also be a real revenue generator as they look to move towards phase three in the coming years.
"We have to look at our next fundraising stage, but we are working hard on that and being home and able to play in the Munster championship next year will be huge for us."
