Dalymount project moves to next stage

DUBLIN City Council says it is aiming to have the redeveloped Dalymount Stadium in Phibsborough ready for the start of the 2024 season.

Last week, the high-profile project received a boost when the Government provided the local authority with a €918,750 grant through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. This will allow for the progression to phase two of the project and paves the way for the appointment of architects, engineers and a design team. A planning application for the redevelopment has not yet been submitted.

When completed, the new 6,000-seater stadium will be shared between Bohemian FC and Shelbourne FC. Both clubs will play at Tolka Park in Drumcondra during the construction phase of the Dalymount Park redevelopment.

Dublin City Council confirmed to Northside People that the cost of the Dalymount project is expected to come in at €35 million, including VAT and construction inflation. It said that funding for the redevelopment will come from a combination of Central Government funding, via the next round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund grant; the sale of Tolka Park; Dublin City Council development contribution funding; and funding from the FAI towards the installation of the pitch.

When asked about the timescale for the delivery of the project, the council said: “It is very much dependent of funding becoming available from Government but the ambition is to have the redeveloped stadium ready for the start of the 2024 season.

In a statement, Bohemian FC welcomed the €918,750 allocation of funding from the Government. It said the Dalymount Park plan, in conjunction with the proposed redevelopment of Phibsborough Shopping Centre, offered a unique opportunity to develop a community-owned sporting and cultural space in heart of Dublin 7 for generations to come.

“Bohemian FC look forward to continuing to work closely with all the relevant stakeholders – namely Dublin City Council, local residents and Shelbourne FC – over the coming years to see this project to completion,” the statement reads. “Dalymount Park has been our home for 119 years but regular sell-out crowds last season and unprecedented season ticket sales/new members this year show that Bohemian FC has outgrown its current capacity.

“The stadium’s redevelopment is key to the club’s ability to maximise its potential for growth going forward, while the community facilities envisaged for the project will be of incalculable benefit to the wider north Dublin 7.

“Bohemian FC wishes to put on record our sincere gratitude for the continued cross-party support of our local representatives, our member and supporters and also that of the local community since Dublin City Council voted unanimously to purchase the ground in 2015.”

Shelbourne Football Club also welcomed the announcement of initial funding for the Dalymount plan. The club said it looked forward to working with all the relevant stakeholders in the project.

Deirdre Duffy, a Fine Gael general election candidate in Dublin Central, said the funding announcement was “brilliant news” and would help bring back the glory days to Dalymount Park.

"Dublin Central can look forward to once again having a world-class sporting facility right in the heart of the community" she said. "As a sports fan who lives in Cabra, I look forward to bringing my children to see Bohs play and hopefully we will once again see big occasion matches taking place in Dalymount in the future.”

The original plan for Dalymount Park provided for a 10,000-seater, Category 4 stadium with a projected cost of €20m. However, it has since been downgraded to a UEFA Category 3 stadium with a 6,000 capacity. 

The new facility will also include a library, community space and meeting rooms.