Tipperary GAA: Dr Morris Park redevelopment project is back on track

placeholder image — Dr Morris Park, Thurles

Work is pressing ahead despite costs having risen substantially

County Board Secretary Timmy Floyd told delegates that almost €2 million will be spent on Dr Morris Park in the coming months with work already underway on phase 1 of a three phase development.

In his annual report to Convention, the outgoing Secretary, who will be replaced in the new year by Murtagh Brennnan of Loughmore Castleiney admitted that it is finally a relief to see development work commence at Dr Morris Park after a two-year delay due to Covid.

Above: Tipperary County Board Secretary Tim Floyd

However he said: “Project costs have almost doubled in the meantime, but this blow is softened by the allocation of a €300K Sports Capital Grant plus a further €125k from our Central Council County Infrastructural Fund announced recently,” he said.

The development will be in three stages as follows.

Phase 1:

Extension to the four existing dressing rooms plus new showers/toilets and a new multi-purpose room which initially will be a small gym but eventually a dining room when Phase 2 & 3 are complete. Phase 1 will also include new storerooms for team equipment and product.

Phase 2:

Will include a lobby leading into a meeting room plus dining room which can open into one large room to accommodate gatherings up to 200 plus. Adjacent to the lobby will be a shop/coffee area to facilitate parents and spectators.

Phase 3:

Will be a large gym overhead the meeting/dining room overlooking the three pitches.

“ Phase one is on stream for completion and ready to use by Feb 2023. Planning permission will be lodged for Phase 2 and 3 before Dec 2022 with the hope of approval by March 2023 to allow continuity with the development through to completion by the end of 2023. The total cost of the three phases will be in the region of €2m,” the Newport man said.