The EU will begin an investigation into the €30 million state grant that is set to help with the redevelopment of Pairc Ui Chaoimh according to a report in the Sunday Independent today.
The Cork County Board are currently in the early stages of a massive €70 million redevelopment plan of the Cork Stadium. The cabinet recently signed off on a €30 million grant that is being investigated with such a grant being in breach of rules involving State aid.
The report suggests that EU are keeping a close eye on Ireland as they are in the midst of an investigation taking a look at the nation's deal with Apple and the favorable tax deal offered to the US tech giants.
It could also be a hammer blow to Ireland potentially hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The GAA are behind the IRFU's aim to host the World Cup eight years from now with both Casement Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh's availability being central to such a bid.
The reports continues to state that concerns were raised when Brendan Howlin, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, awarded the grant last year but such concerns were put to bed. It appears now as though the planned reopening of Pairc Ui Chaoimh in July 2017 is in jeopardy.
The panel on Off The Ball discussed the issue as they picked through the big stories of the day in Sunday's Sports Pages, and the repercussions for Ireland's World Cup bid.
A statement from the Cork County Board was released on Sunday evening in which they stated that "the Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium re-development project meets all the conditions for State funding under the Public Spending Code.
"The Board has been made aware of a process that has to be undertaken by Government with the EU with regard to State aid.
"The Board and the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport are working closely together and the Board anticipates a speedy and successful conclusion to the process".
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