Dalymount included in Phibsboro plan

A DRAFT local area plan for Phibsboro that includes an objective to retain Dalymount Park as a recreational and sporting centre for the wider area has been welcomed by Bohemian FC.

The new Dublin City Council plan says retention of both Bohs and Dalymount Park within the heart of Phibsboro would be a positive move for the future of the area.

It also states that opportunities that enhance the Dalymount Park site as a sporting venue will be supported.

There has been growing concern amongst Bohs’ fans over the future of Dalymount and an expected ground share deal with Shelbourne FC. Dublin City Council has agreed in principle to purchase the historic stadium for

?¬3.4m, which will wipe most of Bohs’ debts.

If the deal proceeds, it’s expected that the FAI will lease Dalymount Park from the council and the stadium would be shared by Bohs and Shelbourne.

However, a deal would be contingent on Shelbourne handing back its lease on Tolka Park to the local authority so the land could be developed for housing.

Shels fans are opposed to the move and with no guarantee that the plan will go ahead, the Phibsboro club is concerned that the deal will collapse leaving Dalymount Park with an uncertain future.

The inclusion of the historic stadium in the draft local area plan offers some measure of comfort and hope that it will be developed, even without the Tolka Park deal.

In a statement on its official website, the club said:

“Bohemian FC notes with satisfaction the content of the draft Phibsborough Local Area Plan released today by Dublin City Council.

“The plan supports retention of the sporting use of Dalymount

‘with objectives to see it enhanced and extended to provide a wider sporting, recreational and community use’.

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Dalymount Park has been home to Bohemian Football Club since 1901.