The Irish Times of Jan 10th 2007 under the headline 'Munster aim to start work in March', notes that "The Munster Branch have pencilled early March 2007 for a start of the redevelopment of Thomond Park, although the project remains dependent on planning permission":
"Architects Murray O'Laoire and AFL are involved in a process that will include 15,000 stand seats and 11,000 terrace seats. Two sweeping arches will be the overriding feature of the stadium with the new focal point being a concourse outside the new East Stand"
In March 2006, the Munster Branch of the IRFU announced that Thomond Park was unanimously selected for the site of the branch's new 26,000 capacity stadium. May 2006 saw the unveiling of the design for the re-development of Thomond Park. The €40m scheme is currently going through the planning process, and is hopefully towards the end of that process. Limerick City Council granted planning permission January 2007.
The plan is to move contractors onsite without delay in order to complete the redevelopment within 18 months, with a scheduled re-opening in Autumn, 2008.
The last game to be held in Thomond Park before demolition commences is the Munster V Leicester Heineken Cup game of January 20th 2007.
The project will see the erection of two new stands adjacent to the existing main pitch in addition to new changing rooms, medical suite, executive boxes, banqueting facilities and supporters bars.
Thomond Park with a capacity of about 13,500 has its own unique history and atmosphere. According to Hugh Murray of MOLA, the design will retain the unique atmosphere and "will enhance the legendary intensity of the Munster experience by having 15,000 as close to the pitch as possible".