MUNSTER Rugby have been approved planning permission for the development of a new sports facility at Rosbrien on the outskirts of Limerick.
In an update, the province revealed: “There has been positive feedback on our planning application for the Limerick Centre of Excellence and we have been granted planning permission from Limerick City and County Council for the project.”
“It is hoped that this development will commence next year once all the funding and agreements are in place.”
The centre will primarily serve Munster’s underage and development sides, and the surrounding community with local clubs, schools, and community groups set to benefit.
Incorporated into the plan is an indoor full-size pitch; a state-of-the-art artificial full-size pitch and grass training pitch, both of which will be floodlit; a gym; and clubhouse and administration building.
The proposal also makes provision for an amenity walkway, greenspace, secure bicycle parking and limited parking.
Commenting on its plans, Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said: “We are always looking to develop our infrastructure across the province in ensuring we can develop and resource our grassroots game leading to further participation in sport.”
“This is an ongoing strategic objective of ours and we believe a facility such as this, in the heartland of Limerick, will hugely benefit the local clubs and schools and ensure young people have access to world class facilities.”
A similar centre hoped for Cork has seen a revised planning application submitted recently, with a view to a public tender opening later this summer.
Munster Rugby hope, pending no further delays in the planning application process, that the Cork Centre of Excellence project will commence in late October and be completed by summer 2024.
Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed that Munster and Leinster will engage in a pre-season friendly fixture at Musgrave Park on Friday September 8. Tickets will go on sale from 11am this Friday.
