The likelihood of Connacht Rugby hosting a World Cup qualifying round in 2015 at its home in the Galway Sportsground is slim.
Even if Ireland were to be selected to host the event, the current capacity of the Sportsground does not meet the minimum requirement for pool matches of 18,000.
The Sportsground, which would be the preferred venue in Galway, can currently hold a maximum 10,000. There are plans to increase capacity with a new stand above the current Clan Stand, but it would still be insufficient.
To make structural changes to the College Road venue would also require consent from the co-tenants the Greyhound Board, and it is believed the cost to accommodate such a pool fixture could be upwards of €20 million.
Ulster’s Ravenhill is the latest Irish venue to improve its facilities, and its radical restructure cost in the region of €18,000.
The news this week that the Government will support the bid has been welcomed, and it is believed Pearse Stadium, McHale Park in Castlebar which has a 38,000 capacity, and others in the province, would be well capable of hosting a pool fixture to ensure the west of Ireland benefits from such an event.
Fianna Fáil local election candidate for Galway City West, David Burke, says the event could lead to a €20 million boost to the local economy.
“It is fantastic to see that the GAA and the IRFU can work together on such an initiative,” he says.
Mr Burke wants to set up a working group to ensure Galway supports the IRFU’s bid and to put forward the city’s case to be one of the main host cities.
