Asking Limerick's Politicians for Help

good to see some progress being made on the Markets Field project.

Might be a good idea to keep pressure on the local TD's to ensure they know people are behind the plans.

I think if you check www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas it gives the email address of all TDs and senators so it might be no harm to get as many fans as poss to contact them about this.

It's quicker and easier than letters and might get more people involved.

Best of luck with the plans and against Queenstown tonight .www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas

Agreed Paudie. We should all make our opinions known. we can be cynical and say what difference will it make, but what harm can it do either. Give them a chance to help by asking. You don't ask you don't get.

An update on responses received. These are extracts from all of the further responses received, So far I have received responses from John Gilligan and those quoted below.

Jan O'Sullivan: "I feel very strongly as you obviously do that senior soccer should not be lost in Limerick. We succeeded in resisting (having large numbers of houses built on the site of the Markets Field) by refusing to have the area re-zoned. I would fully support its use as a home for Limerick FC. The difficulty may be in trying to raise the fundas as Limerick City Council indicated in the past they did not have the money, but certainly that could be explored.

Maybe you could give me a ring (mobile number included) with a view to meeting yourselves and then subsequently arranging a meeting with the City Council. "

Tim O'Malley: "I would like to discuss this further with you." Office number and times provided.

Kieran O'Hanlon: "You will be pleased to see that the Management Committee of LFC is actively pursuing you suggestion. (A letter from them to the Council is included setting out proposals - not included - for the MF) However, I must caution that without sufficient funding and proper planning, this may not be achieved. I would be delighted to see soccer returning to the MF.

I would be willing to discuss your concerns and suggestions at any time and as Chairman of the Limerick City Sports Partnership, I would be only too delighted to lend my support to Limerick FC and see their return to the MF."

Maria Byrne: "I certainly share your concern regarding the future of Senior Football in Limerick.

The MF is still in use as a greyhound track and my understanding is that this usage is likely to continue for some time. The venue is owned by Bord na gCon and is not available for sale at present.

I foresee that it will be at least 3 – 4 years before this site may be for sale as they have not as yet applied for planning permission at another venue.

I would certainly like to assist in solving this problem.”

Dick Sadlier: “I would like nothing more than to see this venue (the MF) being again used as the home of Limerick soccer. In this regard, I have spoken to a numbe rof parties and, while I cannot say I am confident, I am certainly hopeful that progress will be made.

It is always encouraging to know that, in spite of many years of adversity, Limerick senior soccer is still very close to the hearts of many loyal Limerick supporters.”

Peter Power: “I too am deeply concerned about the very pessimistic future for Limerick FC. As somebody who attended matches for years in the MF, I would be particularly anxious to meet with you and the supporters club to discuss this (or any other) proposal.

I would be grateful if you would contact me as soon as possible when you receive this letter in order to arrange for a convenient appointment.”

Willie O’Dea: “I have now been in touch with Limerick City Council about this matter and while it is virtually certain as I understand it that the MF will not be rezoned for development, nevertheless, it is quite another matter to persuade Limerick City Council to buy it.

The Council have informed me that they would have to get a loan to do so and frankly it will not be on top of their priority list at the moment because things are very tight. However, I have discussed it with the manager and I have sent your correspondence to him for his observations.”

My own observations on this are:
1.MF won’t be rezoned for full development.
2.There is some good will towards the club and we should take these guys up on their offers of meeting. It is important to keep this issue on their radars.
3.Maria Byrne said that there is no planning application for the new greyhound stadium. This is very interesting for two reasons. First, there is no sign of them moving on quickly. Second, can Limerick approach them to play there for a few seasons.
4.Anyone got JP MacManus’ phone number?
5.This was a worthwhile thing to do – and I think we should look into getting a couple of them ob board before the Nov 17 meeting.

Anyone else got any other points to make?

Great work LFC in Exile.

I think the next plan of attack is to take all of these politicians up on their offers of meetings. As you point out there is significant gooswill there and we should take as much advantage of it as possible.

Set up all of the meetings, get them ALL on board. Approaching BnaG about using the Markets Field for a few seasons, if thats what needs be, mightn't be a bad idea. Any move there would be a positive one and a step forward to one day playing there permenently.

As for JP's number.....if he's willing to put 50 big ones on the table for a national stadium, surely he'd be willing to help out his local side with some contribution. I mean, the city council's and the Fai's cash will be involved aswell.

I gave JP McManus;s no to two people on our committee both his own personel mobile and his island retreat home no. i think if we the supporters get in touch with him we'll get doe neaded to buy it but in the meantime we do a deal with BNG and rent with an intension to buy. Also there is a second propety, council owned which we could get going into partnership with a certain group close to my heart. Even though the markets field is our spiritulal home its no harm to make good links with other bodies and other sports. i still have those numbers by the way and can get any details of anyone in any tax haven ;0

I've unstuck this cos it's a bit dated now. If people I shoulda left it just say so and I can put it back.