The University of Limerick is one of the alternative sites the Munster Branch of the IRFU Development Committee are looking at as part of a feasibility study into a possible move from Thomond Park. The Development Committee yesterday announced the appointment of ARUP Consulting Engineers to conduct a feasibility study in the Limerick area with regard to the provision of a 26,000 capacity rugby stadium.

In addition to Thomond Park, the potential of three other sites, including Limerick University, will be assessed and a recommendation made to the Munster Branch, IRFU Development Committee within six weeks.

The IRFU initially made proposals to local residents around the border of Thomond Park area on the Ballynanty Road about what they could and couldn't do in regard to increasing the capacity of the ground. But a number of house owners made it clear there would be difficulties in purchasing their homes, which appears to have halted any immediate plans to redevelop the current ground.

"This is a feasibility study to find out the options available to the IRFU of basically landing a stadium into the Limerick area. Nothing at this point is ruled in or out. This study will give the union options and that is what it is about. The same thing was done for Lansdowne Road," said a IRFU official yesterday.

If the study indicates Munster should move from their "spiritual home", the IRFU are likely to get in the region of €9 million based on the site being approximately eight acres in size. According to a Limerick auctioneering house, that figure would be based on a high density residential development less the costs of demolition and bringing in services.

"It would be easy to develop. It's just a case of knocking down the stands," added the auctioneer.

Thomond Park, which has a capacity of 15,000, is owned by the IRFU whereas Musgrave Park in Cork is owned by the Munster Branch, so the decision whether to move from Thomond or redevelop will be made by the governing body. According to local newspaper reports Munster Branch purchased a 10-acre greenfield site at Groody on the Dublin Road, which is to be used by the branch and clubs as a training ground. The uncertainty about the future of Thomond Park has also been heightened by a recent act of vandalism, which rendered the pitch unplayable for four weeks.