The Munster branch of the IRFU has unveiled a €30 million plan for the redevelopment of Thomond Park in Limerick and Musgrave Park in Cork.
They are also negotiating the purchase of a ten acre site in Limerick City for club and age grade rugby.
The capacity of Thomond Park will be almost doubled to 26,000. A new stand at Musgrave Park will accommodate 6,500 supporters. Dressing room and storage facilities will also be built at the Cois Laoi facility in Cork for use by clubs and the Munster professional team.
A major fundraising drive is being launched to pay for the redevelopments. This will operate under the Sports Capital Tax legislation where individuals make donations of more than €250 and depending on the tax bracket they are on, the revenue will also make a contribution. Corporate donations are a deductable trading expense for local businesses.
Additional funding will come from private investors, the National Lottery and other sources.
Munster branch president, Niall O'Driscoll, told a news conference at the University of Limerick this afternoon that they wanted appropriate facilities for players of all levels, from age grade to the professional team.
He said the development of the stadia would accommodate the increasing number of supporters who want to share in the unique Munster Rugby experience. Thomond Park, he insisted, must in future reflect Munster's standing in the world game.
The branch CEO, Garrett Fitzgerald, said there has been a phenomenal surge of interest in rugby, with 19,000 age grade players currently in the province.
