Phase one of the redevelopment of Walsh Park has officially commenced.
The planned works experienced tremendous delays through COVID and unforeseen increased building costs.
As well as the construction of a roof on the main stand, the overall capacity is expected to increase to around 12,000 with the addition of a new uncovered stand.
Please see the following Press Release issued by Waterford GAA in relation to Walsh Park.https://t.co/vdwjEiMaHD pic.twitter.com/hNIxBJyR5s
— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) January 9, 2023
Waterford GAA officially confirmed the works yesterday evening, leaving an anticipated availability period of July for the resumption of fixtures.
"Waterford GAA are delighted to announce that the Phase 1 Redevelopment of Walsh Park has commenced," the statement reads.
"Following extensive discussions with the contractors and in order to meet the strict requirements of the six-month work programme, Walsh Park will not be available to host the scheduled inter-county games.
"Waterford GAA are currently in negotiations with Croke Park and the Munster Council regarding alternative venues for the Allianz Hurling League and Munster Championship games
and the details will be advised in due course.
"It is the intention that Walsh Park will be available to host Waterford GAA Club Championship games from July."
The news has been met with mixed reviews, with many left frustrated by the inconvenience.
The only positive that might come from this shambles is that the other phases now get brought forward but I cannot see that happening
— Treabhar Ó Riain 🇮🇪 🇪🇺 🌍 ☘️ 🇨🇵 (@T_ORiain) January 10, 2023
The clubs will always be informed first....
Through Social Media.....
Selling season tickets..... Then people having to travel.@WaterfordGAA could have handled this better!— noel reidy (@noelreidy72) January 9, 2023
Will season tickets be refunded..
— pat grant (@patgran69986954) January 9, 2023
Davy Fitzgerald's side was due to play Limerick and Clare at Walsh Park in the Munster Championship as well as a range of League fixtures that included Leinster kingpins, Kilkenny.