A giant concrete structure, Munster’s largest civil engineering project, is growing by the side of the River Lee in Cork City. It’s the GAA’s new 46,000-seat, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, planned for completion by next June.
John Mullins, founder of renewable energy firm Amarenco and former Chief Executive of Bord Gais, is chairman of the Stadium Committee - he spoke to Breakfast Business about the project.
But when the facility is completed, will the stadium have a new name?
Mr Mullins says that the sale of corporate naming rights is "something that has to be considered" - although he adds that "the view of business people may be different to those who are active at county board level."
"We've seen speculation around the new RDS and Leinster Rugby recently, Musgrave Park here in Cork is now the Irish Independent Park" he continued, before adding that "Cork is a very big market for anyone who wants to sell products."
INPHO/James Crombie
While there have been concerns over the viability of a stadium of this size in the south of Ireland - he stated that the old Pairc Ui Chaoimh facility was "no longer fit for purpose" when this project began, and that Cork needs a modern stadium facility on the same level as Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium.
He highlights outdoor concerts and a 400 seater conference hall facility as two sources of income away from match days.
The chairman added that international rugby players competing at the ground is "definitely part of the plan" if Ireland is successful in its bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
