Time to act on Dalymount, says Sherlock

It has been a decade since Dublin City Council stepped in to save Dalymount Park, but the Northside ground is still waiting for its long-promised transformation.

Now Labour TD Marie Sherlock says enough is enough, urging the Council to finally begin the long-delayed redevelopment.

Speaking ahead of a key council vote on a loan to fund the €63 million project, the Dublin Central TD said it was “vital” that work begins without further hold-ups, more than ten years after the local authority first took ownership of the stadium.

“Ten years on from Dublin City Council’s rescue of Dalymount Stadium, it is vital that there are no further delays to the redevelopment,” she said.

“The protracted process of trying to agree the funding model between the Council and the Government has led to too many wasted years and now a very substantial price tag which has risen many times over.”

Sherlock said the complicated process involving the proposed sale of Tolka Park, the redevelopment of Phibsborough Shopping Centre, and long waits for Government funding had all added to both the delays and the growing cost.

“Already, some of the design has been pared back in recognition of these costs,” she said. “It is crucial now that there are no further delays.”

While the revamped stadium will be home to Bohemians FC, Sherlock said the project represents much more than a single club.

“Redeveloping Dalymount is about ensuring we have a fantastic sports facility in the heart of Dublin’s Northside that is easily accessible, has community facilities and that recognises the important history of football in the area,” she said.

A self-described proud Bohs member, Sherlock said regular sell-out crowds show the demand is already there, and that a modernised stadium is essential to growing the game.

“If we are serious about expanding interest in League of Ireland games and broadening support for clubs, the extra attendance must be accommodated,” she said.

She also praised both Bohemians and council officials for their persistence in bringing the redevelopment to this point.

“As fans, as taxpayers, and as Dublin city residents, it is in all our interests to ensure this project can now proceed as soon as possible,” she said.

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