A municipal stadium for use by Connacht Rugby, Galway United, and other sporting associations in the city, must be included as part of redevelopment plans for the docklands area.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil city councillor Ollie Crowe, who said that, while there “would be obstacles” to the realisation of such a project, “there is an onus on stakeholders to, at a minimum, explore the project”.
He said the proposed stadium could also be used for concerts and conferences, as well as sport. “It would certainly be an incredible resource for our city and for future generations,” said Cllr Crowe, who also plans to “raise the matter” with City Hall chief executive Brendan McGrath.
Cllr Crowe is also calling on the GAA Central Council to consider offering Pearse Stadium to Connacht Rugby for Champions Cup fixtures next season.
“Everyone has seen the demand for the upcoming semi-final against Glasgow and it seems obvious that the Sportsground could be filled a couple of times over for the game, which will be the same situation for the Champions cup fixtures next season,” noted the Bohermore based councillor. He also noted the GAA’s willingness to work with the IRFU recently in terms of Croke Park and the World Cup 2023 bid.
“I would think they would be equally eager to work with Connacht for the betterment of sportspeople in the province,” he said. Cllr Crowe acknowledged the lack of floodlights at Pearse Stadium could be a hindrance in this plan, dependent upon scheduling, but said it nonetheless merited consideration.
