Stadium Update: Irish Independent Park

With Irish Independent Park set to host Ireland Wolfhounds v England Saxons in just over 6 weeks, we look at the latest redevelopment progress at Munster Rugby’s Cork venue which is due for completion in early January.

The mainstay of the project is the construction of a new West Stand (pictured above), seating 3,500 and increasing the stadium’s capacity to 9,500.

Following the initial installation of concrete frames and decks, the roof has been erected and finished, external walls are completed and plastered. The internal layout has been constructed, and with the fit out of the internal structure well underway the dressing rooms, public toilets and medical rooms are on course to be completed by Christmas.

The fitting out of the remainder of the stand – function room and media room – is due to be completed by mid-January while the installation of seats will commence later this week.

(pictured left: stand tunnel, pictured right: away dressing room)

The redevelopment will also incorporate upgrades to the existing East Terrace. Thanks to the support of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club, the terrace has now been covered and work has begun on a decorative mural on the rear wall. The mural will feature the province’s Tribal Motif, a motif based upon the qualities embodied in Munster Rugby: pride, strength, agility, skill and power.

Also, a new pitch perimeter fence has replaced the previous pitch side wall, maximising spectator views and ensuring player safety.

Project manager Niall Fitzgerald of Horgan Lynch commented, “The project to date has gone very well with no significant issues during the construction period. Good weather helped in the early stages of construction, however, October and November were particularly wet which was not ideal for block-work construction and external works.

“Despite this, BAM Construction have managed to keep on programme and the project is on time to meet its completion date. A good working relationship and coordination between the client, design team and BAM Construction has been key to the success of this contract to date.

“Design on this phase of the development has been ongoing for over 2 years. Planning was granted in August 2013 and tenders were sought in February of this year. BAM were successful in the tender process and were appointed to the works in May. Works commenced after the Il Divo Concert in June.”

The design team for the project comprises of

• Horgan Lynch Consulting Engineers – Project Managers, Stadium designers, Civil & Structural Engineers
• Wilson Architecture – Consultant Architects
• Tony O' Regan & Associates – Quantity Surveyors EDC, Mechanical & Electrical ASM, Health & Safety Consultants
• McCutcheon Halley Walsh – Planning Consultants

Ireland Wolfhounds v England Saxons at Irish Independent Park, Friday January 30th, 2015.

Tickets are priced as follows:

• West Stand – €;25
• East Terrace – €;20
• North/South Terrace – €;15
• West Stand Junior – €;10
• North/South Terrace Junior – €;7

Purchase tickets online by clicking here.

While Munster will also play four Guinness PRO12 games – Cardiff Blues, Glasgow Warriors, Benetton Treviso and Newport Gwent Dragons – in the New Year at Irish Independent Park.

Please note, tickets for all games can also be purchased as part of a multi-game pack.

For more Christmas Match Pack information and to start building yours online, please click here.