Jackman Park / Markets Field

[chimpster]

Just wondering what the situation is with ye finding a new ground. Heard various proposals/rumours/lies in the last year or two, including:

• Jackman Park to be sold (for new bus station?)
• Jackman Park to be re-developed
• New ground to be built on Hyde Road as part of Regeneration Project
• LFC to rent Markets Field from Bord na gCon
• LFC to buy Markets Field and tidy it up a bit
• LFC to buy Markets Field and develop a tasty new ground
• LFC to build a ground at Knocklisheen

And there are probably a few others I've missed.

Anyone know what the story is as it stands? And what's the most likely outcome?

I know Bord na gCon are starting work on the new greyhound stadium around now, so the Markets Field should be free within a year or two...

[jebus]

• Jackman Park to be sold (for new bus station?)
• Jackman Park to be re-developed
• New ground to be built on Hyde Road as part of Regeneration Project
• LFC to rent Markets Field from Bord na gCon
• LFC to buy Markets Field and tidy it up a bit
• LFC to buy Markets Field and develop a tasty new ground
• LFC to build a ground at Knocklisheen

I don't know but I could speculate alright

1. You'd have to ask the LDMC, but I don't think the Jackman Park site was included in the already submitted proposals for the new bus station so I'd say that's not happening
2. LDMC are the only ones who can do that so they're the ones to ask
3. Think that idea is gone, in fact I'd say quite a bit of the regeneration plans are gone with Fianna Fail's handling of the economic downturn
4. Still on the table as a possibility as far as I know
5. We couldn't afford to buy the site so no, but we would tidy it up if rented
6. Not at all
7. Doubt it, and it would be a bad move if true

[LK37oldskool]

Most likely outcome will be the Markets Field bought by Limerick corporation with Limerick Fc as anchor tenant.Other sports would have access also.This is a work in progress.There was a meeting only a fortnight ago and Delany from the FAI was invited.Finance is the big issue as you can imagine in the current climate.

[chimpster]

Thanks lads. I guess ye'll be at Jackman for the foreseeable anyway. Best of luck this seaosn, would be great to see a Limerick side in the top flight again.

[JoeyFantastic]

Limerick FC make Markets Field return a priority


EMMET MALONE
SOCCER LEAGUE OF IRELAND: REPRESENTATIVES of Limerick
Football Club, the FAI, Bord na gCon and a number of other
organisations will make a presentation to a specially convened
meeting of Limerick City Council on Monday afternoon as part of a
process that could result in the first division club returning to the
Markets Field this summer – 25 years after senior football in the city
moved away from what many still regard as its spiritual home.

Talks about the club switching from its current base at Jackman Park
to the greyhound stadium on what would initially be a temporary
basis are at an advanced stage. However, the prospect of the move
being completed depends on a package being put together for the
purchase of the stadium from Bord na gCon and its transformation
into a multi-sport municipal stadium.

The FAI and Bord na gCon recently commissioned Gilroy McMahon,
the firm of architects behind the redevelopment of Croke Park to
produce “a vision” for the 5.3 acre site and Des McMahon is due to
present his ideas to Monday’s meeting.

It is believed that in addition to Limerick FC, a new
rugby league club, Limerick Flame, which plans to enter a team in the
British based Championship in 2010 is anxious to play out of a
revamped stadium while the Munster Branch of the IRFU and
local GAA authorities have
apparently expressed enthusiasm for the idea of a 5,000 to 7,000
seat venue so close to the centre of the city.

In addition, it is envisaged that the adjacent Limerick City College
and other local educational institutions would use rooms in the facility
for meetings and classes as they do at English clubs like Sunderland
and Charlton Athletic.

In total the proposals are estimated to have a price tag approaching
€12 million with a third of that likely to go to Bord na gCon, who plan
to move to a new stadium at Dock Road next year.

“A lot of stars still have to become aligned if it’s going to happen, but
so far there certainly seems be a will to move it forward and that’s a
start,” says Limerick FC’s American-based owner Jack McCarthy.

The club’s CEO, Andrew Mawhinney, will be amongst those at
Monday’s meeting and he is hopeful that the club could start playing
there either after the mid-season break or at the start of next season
while remaining pessimistic about the future if the move doesn’t
come off.

“I think from the point of view of the club, the Markets Field is do or
die at this stage,” he says. “The club needs to offer something that’s
attractive to the spectator if it’s going to survive.

“The football we played last year was good, but you only have to
look at the size of the crowds we attracted to see that that isn’t
enough. I’m not saying it would be easy but at the Markets Field
there is at least the possibility of putting some serious numbers
together.”

The FAI has been extremely supportive of the proposal with John
Delaney and Richard Fahey, the association’s Director of club
Licensing and Facilities Development, having already attended a
considerable number of meetings in relation to the scheme.

Bord na gCon are anxious to facilitate the move with a spokesman
for the organisation making it clear yesterday that if the basis for a
long term deal could be agreed then they could make the stadium
available for football matches within a matter of weeks.

“We’re very enthusiastic about the idea of Limerick FC getting what
can be a semi-permanent and hopefully permanent home there,”
says Rob Hartnett.

Representatives of the city’s government backed regeneration
agencies have also been enthusiastic about the project’s capacity to
provide a significant boost to the city’s sporting and educational
infrastructure although the stadium, which is in the Garryowen area
of the city, lies outside their target areas.

That, acknowledges Brendan Hayden of the Southside Regeneration
Agency prevents the body from providing funding for the move, but,
he says, “we have been active in getting all of the relevant parties
together around the table”.

Council support for the project now is vital if it is to move forward
and the city’s mayor, John Gilligan, is anxious to see that it is
forthcoming. “I’ll be lending as much support as I can,” he says.

Cooperation on the project would also cement the developing
relationship between the various sporting organisations in the city,
something that has already given rise to plans by Limerick FC and
the FAI to use Thomond Park.

Limerick hope to host a number of friendlies there in July with
Sunderland having agreed to come and Real Madrid, Aston Villa and
Celtic said to have reacted positively to approaches while the FAI is
expected to stage two friendly internationals there in August and
September.

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times

[LK37oldskool]

Well done Joey for posting that.

[balanced view]

http://www.limerickleader.ie/sport/L...buy.5857239.jp
Hopefully this could be done ASAP....................

Limerick FC bid to buy Market's Field
Published Date:
25 November 2009
LIMERICK FC have made an official bid to purchase the Market's Field in an effort to return senior soccer to it's spiritual home.
Leader Sport has learned that a bid has been received by the Irish Greyhound Board for the Mulgrave Street venue which was last home to senior soccer 25 years ago.
A spokesperson for the Greyhound Board confirmed that they had received a financial offer for the Market's Field stadium.
It is understood that there have been a number of expressions of interest since the announcement last year that the Greyhound Stadium would be moving to a new site on the Dock Road.
"This latest development is a serious bid, but we are at a very early stage and we have an obligation to our own sport to only sell the site in the current climate so long as a fair price is being offered," explained Adrian Neilan, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Greyhound Board.
"That said we understand that talks may be taking place between the bidders, Limerick City Council and the FAI. If there was a positive outcome to these talks, and the council felt that supporting such a project was in the best interests of our sporting city, the Irish Greyhound Board would be pleased to sell to buyers who would maintain the sporting heritage of the site," said Neilan.
Meanwhile Cllr Kevin Kiely, the Mayor of Limerick, has called on the Irish Greyhound Board to show "good will" and give the backers of Limerick FC a long-term lease on the Market's Field for a nominal fee.
"I would call on Bord na gCon to give Limerick FC a long-term lease for a nominal figure of €1 per year. I know it's a commercial venture for Bord na gCon, but they are funded by the taxpayer," Mayor Kevin Kiely told the Limerick Leader.
"The Market's Field will not be ever used for anything other than sport," the Mayor confirmed.
"I think a gesture like that from Bord na gCon would create great goodwill and would be a big gesture to soccer in Limerick and to the people of Limerick," said Mayor Kiely.
"I have been in negotiations with Pat O'Sullivan, who has taken over the reins of Limerick FC, and I know that Pat is anxious to return soccer to the Market's Field," said the Mayor.
The Irish Greyhound Board hope that the sale of the Market's Field and their headquarters in Henry St. would off-set the cost of construction of their new stadium.
The new greyhound stadium on Limerick's Dock Road is located on the old racecourse site at Greenpark and is expected to open in September 2010.
Following delivery of the steel girders last month, building work has gathered pace and is now well over ground on the grandstand with office buildings and clearly visible to passing traffic.
The new greyhound stadium is to cost €18 million and promises to create 100 permanent jobs and will host over 1,750 races a year and have a capacity attendance of 2,900.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature a main stand with viewing and dining areas as well as a number of bars.
The stadium will boast a 190 seat restaurant, private hospitality suites and gallery bars.

[inmoscow]

http://www.limerickleader.ie/sport/L...buy.5857239.jp
Hopefully this could be done ASAP....................

Limerick FC bid to buy Market's Field
Published Date:
25 November 2009
LIMERICK FC have made an official bid to purchase the Market's Field in an effort to return senior soccer to it's spiritual home.
Leader Sport has learned that a bid has been received by the Irish Greyhound Board for the Mulgrave Street venue which was last home to senior soccer 25 years ago.
A spokesperson for the Greyhound Board confirmed that they had received a financial offer for the Market's Field stadium.
It is understood that there have been a number of expressions of interest since the announcement last year that the Greyhound Stadium would be moving to a new site on the Dock Road.
"This latest development is a serious bid, but we are at a very early stage and we have an obligation to our own sport to only sell the site in the current climate so long as a fair price is being offered," explained Adrian Neilan, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Greyhound Board.
"That said we understand that talks may be taking place between the bidders, Limerick City Council and the FAI. If there was a positive outcome to these talks, and the council felt that supporting such a project was in the best interests of our sporting city, the Irish Greyhound Board would be pleased to sell to buyers who would maintain the sporting heritage of the site," said Neilan.
Meanwhile Cllr Kevin Kiely, the Mayor of Limerick, has called on the Irish Greyhound Board to show "good will" and give the backers of Limerick FC a long-term lease on the Market's Field for a nominal fee.
"I would call on Bord na gCon to give Limerick FC a long-term lease for a nominal figure of €1 per year. I know it's a commercial venture for Bord na gCon, but they are funded by the taxpayer," Mayor Kevin Kiely told the Limerick Leader.
"The Market's Field will not be ever used for anything other than sport," the Mayor confirmed.
"I think a gesture like that from Bord na gCon would create great goodwill and would be a big gesture to soccer in Limerick and to the people of Limerick," said Mayor Kiely.
"I have been in negotiations with Pat O'Sullivan, who has taken over the reins of Limerick FC, and I know that Pat is anxious to return soccer to the Market's Field," said the Mayor.
The Irish Greyhound Board hope that the sale of the Market's Field and their headquarters in Henry St. would off-set the cost of construction of their new stadium.
The new greyhound stadium on Limerick's Dock Road is located on the old racecourse site at Greenpark and is expected to open in September 2010.
Following delivery of the steel girders last month, building work has gathered pace and is now well over ground on the grandstand with office buildings and clearly visible to passing traffic.
The new greyhound stadium is to cost €18 million and promises to create 100 permanent jobs and will host over 1,750 races a year and have a capacity attendance of 2,900.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature a main stand with viewing and dining areas as well as a number of bars.
The stadium will boast a 190 seat restaurant, private hospitality suites and gallery bars.

Was in the markets field this morning,believe me,football could be played on that pitch at the start of next season,no prob.Combined with the existing press area,bar,shop facilities,office space,the only thing missing for a premier licence is lights,showers,and dressingrooms(plenty of room under stand,with minimul investment.Given that the doggie crowd are strapped for cash,fingers crossed,this could be a goer.

[Monkfish]

only thing missing for a premier licence is lights,showers,and dressingrooms

You wouldnt get a licence for a GAA under 10's blitz without these.

Been here before and so get the salt out folks, only reason this subject is being discussed again is because Pat is in charge and if anyone can do it he could.

Wouldnt hold my breath though.

[oscar]

according to the post an offer of E1,000,000 has been made by Pat O'Sullivan to Bord na gCon for the Markets field,would be a great move for Limerick if it goes through

[gael353]

according to the post an offer of E1,000,000 has been made by Pat O'Sullivan to Bord na gCon for the Markets field,would be a great move for Limerick if it goes through

while it is great news there is no point in Limerick owning the markets field if it cant be devloped as a modern sporting venue and that needs the city council and the fai to financially back it (not lip service) and both of them are skint so....

[Partizan]

Brilliant news if it goes through. I have never been to the Markets but have heard great stories from the games there. The dressing rooms and floodlights can be installed later. What are the chances of Bord na gCon accepting Limerick's bid?

[Partizan]

while it is great news there is no point in Limerick owning the markets field if it cant be devloped as a modern sporting venue and that needs the city council and the fai to financially back it (not lip service) and both of them are skint so....

Can't LFC borrow money from the banks and use the ground as equity? I know the banks aint too healthy nowadays but it is an option should the FAI & Government turn you down.

[joeSoap]

Can't LFC borrow money from the banks and use the ground as equity? .

[LK37oldskool]

Borrowing money is the last thing Limerick needs to do.Might as well throw your hat at it if they go down that route.

[Monkfish]

borrow money .

[L37Ultra]

Can't LFC borrow money from the banks and use the ground as equity? I know the banks aint too healthy nowadays but it is an option should the FAI & Government turn you down.

I take you read the new Fianna Fail book on football ya?

[chimpster]

Personally, I think that as long as everything is in order and above board, the FAI would throw plenty of cash at this project. Its no secret they are keen to revive LOI soccer in Limerick, and they weren't slow to chuck a few million at the Tallaght Stadium.

Anyone know if there's any life left in the proposal for a rugby league franchise in Limerick, and a possible ground share with Limerick FC? If there is, the IRFL would get funding from the Rugby League in the UK towards ground development, so there's a chance for more cash there...

If all the above worked out, I could imagine the Markets Field tidied up to a tidy little 3000-seater in a couple of years. Let's see what Pat has up his sleeve, he wouldn't be offering hard cash for the place unless there was a solid long term plan.

[gael353]

Personally, I think that as long as everything is in order and above board, the FAI would throw plenty of cash at this project. Its no secret they are keen to revive LOI soccer in Limerick, and they weren't slow to chuck a few million at the Tallaght Stadium.

Anyone know if there's any life left in the proposal for a rugby league franchise in Limerick, and a possible ground share with Limerick FC? If there is, the IRFL would get funding from the Rugby League in the UK towards ground development, so there's a chance for more cash there...

If all the above worked out, I could imagine the Markets Field tidied up to a tidy little 3000-seater in a couple of years. Let's see what Pat has up his sleeve, he wouldn't be offering hard cash for the place unless there was a solid long term plan.

first up the only money that the FAI threw at Tallaght was for legal fees as the gaa paid for thomas davis fees. SDCC paid all the moneys for the actaul development of the stadium along with lottery funding etc

rugby league, as other sports would be fairly welcome in limerick as pat has said in all his speeches. and 3000? double it rugby union, gaa and us will need it

[Monkfish]

the FAI would throw plenty of cash at this project. Its no secret they are keen to revive LOI soccer in Limerick, .