Questions raised over possible Tolka Park redevelopment

Dublin City Council have deferred a decision to grant Shelbourne a 250-year lease for Tolka Park.

The stadium, which is owned by Dublin City Council, is the subject of a €1.5 million offer from Tolka Park Community Hub CLG, a company set up by Shelbourne’s board.

The meeting heard that the Council had negotiated a deal with Shelbourne’s board, but it had set up a new company to manage the stadium renovation project.

Should the bid be accepted, renovation work for the stadium would then fall into their hands.

While North Central Area Committee members were broadly supportive of Tolka Park being renovated, some stated that more information was required.

Some members also expressed hesitation about the 250-year lease.

Social Democrats Councillor Catherine Stocker welcomed the proposal but had some concerns about the length of the lease.

“I can’t fathom why we would be giving a 250-year lease to anyone on any property,” while expressing concerns about the stadium being on a flood plain.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Daryl Barron said “based on a 250-year lease, that is a very long time; in my time I haven’t seen a lease that long before.”

The decision was made by the meeting to hold off on making a decision until meeting with Shelbourne’s board.

The proposed lease agreement would see Tolka Park Community Hub CLG paying Dublin City Council €1.5 million to lease the grounds for that period.

The company would then become responsible for carrying out renovation work at the stadium, with slated to be completed by December 2026.

Stadium renovation would happen in two phases, with the first phase dealing with allowing seating at the Ballybough Stand and providing lighting for the back of the stand.

The 2nd phase would involve the north and south stands being upgraded, with roof repairs and fire safety improvements slated to be part of the works.

The club would pay €350,000, to Dublin City Council within three months of signing the agreement, and pay the second instalment of €350,000 when the first phase of stadium renovation is completed by December 2024 and the final €300,000 when phase 2 works are completed by December 2026.

The remaining €500,000 would go towards employing two full-time football-in-the-community officers for five years, with one specifically focusing on advancing female participation.

Independent Councillor Damien O’Farrell, who proposed that Council members agree to the lease, stated “this is going to be tremendous going forward; it is giving a football club a foothold in the community.”

Fine Gael Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí said that members of the Council needed assurance if the company had the money to carry out the work before the lease was granted, and if supporters would have any say on the governance of the company.

Ó Muirí said he would like members of Dublin City Council to meet the Shelbourne FC board, saying “I think this is a huge positive opportunity for the area; let’s get it right.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Larry O’Toole said that despite being a Bohemians fan he backs the development, saying “hopefully the ground can be redeveloped fully.”“We owe it to the heritage of the city and we expressly owe it to the people who have put money and effort into Shelbourne football.”