EIRCOM PARK - No further news to report on the South Dublin project as the result of a hearing on air safety is still pending. The main problem is the proximity of the site to both Casement Aerodrome, a National Defence facility, and Baidonnel Airport. Furthermore local residents have lodged a formal protest about the plans to the Sord Pleanala. Despite the immediate problems the board of the project remain confident that Eircorn Park will become reality.

KILKENNY CITY - The Cats new Town End stand is in use which gives Buckley Park a very respectable 2,000-seat capacity. However, their dismal form this season has seen crowds of only 200 for some matches. The only problem preventing Buckley Park from being a really first class venue is the long-standing problem of car parking. The ground lies set back off the main N76 Callan to Clonmel road.

DERRY CITY - Derry Council still plan to build a new stand and executive boxes at their Brandywell Stadium. The ground will become one of the most modern stadia in the province. This may become academic as the resident football club, Derry City, are in a desperate financial situation despite a recent full house for a fund raising match against Manchester United.

CORK CITY - The covered terrace behind one goal at Turners Cross will soon be accompanied by a much larger terrace at the opposite end when the St. Anne’s terrace is covered.

DROGHEDA UNITED - Plans for a new ground for the Co. Louth side are no nearer fruition than they were when they were announced a year ago. The club, the FAI, who own the current Windmill Road ground, and Monarch Properties are still locked in negotiations.

LONGFORD TOWN - Longford Town have nearly completed work on their new main stand. The project costing in the region of £500,000 will bring Mullogher into line with the League of Ireland's ground grading criteria.

SHAMROCK ROVERS - The Tallaght project has been hampered by the recent bad weather and it is now doubtful whether The Hoops' new base will be ready for the start of next season. This could prove a major problem, as their temporary base at Morton Stadium will not be available until October following an extended athletics season. Rovers will probably play their opening fixtures of the new campaign at Shelbourne's Tolka Park.

OTHER NEWS - There is still no recent news on the proposed ground moves for St. Patricks, UCD and Athlone Town. Home Farm Fingal and St.Francis are still risking incurring the wrath of the powers that be by steadfastly refusing to announce any plans for upgrading their respective stadiums. Both stadia fall well short of the minimum requirements for the League of Ireland and demotion to the Leinster Senior League remains a possibility.