An ambitious revamp of a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stadium is set to get underway after a long awaited land deal was made last night.

According to the Irish Examiner Páirc Uí Chaoimh will undergo a massive development now that Cork County Concillors have agreed to sell almost seven acres of publicly-owned land around the flagship stadium to the Cork County Board for €1.7m.

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This follows years of talks between GAA and city officials with the Cork City Councillors finally voting in favour of the sale 24-6.

The disposal, subject to planning permission, is designed to facilitate the GAA’s plan to extend the stadium’s covered stand, increasing its spectator capacity from 43,500 to 50,000.

The extension will include new player and referee changing rooms, corporate boxes, medical rooms, a gym and a restaurant.

The GAA also plans to develop a "centre of excellence" next to the stadium, including an all-weather floodlit playing pitch and a small seated stand.

It is also expected that the extended stadium, which will cost €45m to complete, will become a major concert venue, with a capacity for up to 60,000 spectators.

(LB/CD)