Permission granted for Semple Stadium upgrade
By Shane Brophy
Tipperary County Council has granted planning permission for redevelopment works on the Kinnane Stand at Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Submitted by Thurles Gaelic Sportsfield Society who run the stadium on behalf of Tipperary County Board, the redevelopment will see the “Old Stand” as it is known to many, have a second level created over the concourse at the back of the stand.
The half nearest the Killinan End terrace will be dedicated to players and will include changing rooms, gym, physio room, stats/analysis room plus toilet facilities. The other half, towards the Sarsfields Centre will include a function/meeting room to accommodate up to 250 people, with adjoining bar and kitchen facility for catering.
The development will also include a new corridor leading to a new VIP enclosure in the Kinnane stand, as well as new media facilities. There will be minimal change to the capacity of the stand for viewing games.
The estimated cost of the project is €5 million and will be financed by Croke Park and Munster Council grants, Sports Capital funding, as well as revenues generated from the last two Feile music events.