THE ambitious plans proposed by St Patrick’s Athletic FC for a new stadium in Inchicore have received a warm welcome on the Southside.
Last week, the popular Dublin club unveiled its vision for a major development at St Michael’s Estate.
As well as new homes and a town centre with state-of-the art retail, leisure and community facilities, the club envisages a new stadium that would sit neatly on top of the development.
In outlining their idea for the site, the club notes that the City Development Plan envisages the development of a high-quality, vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter which will help to regenerate Inchicore.
“The plan which is being led by Garrett Kelleher of St Patrick’s Athletic can accommodate whatever housing density and mix is required by Dublin City Council while also providing the area with major retailers and leisure facilities, in addition to civic and community facilities,” they stated.
The new stadium has a working title of the ‘Richmond Arena’ to recognise its proximity to the historic Richmond Barracks and its location just across the road from the club’s current home, Richmond Park.
The club says the stadium would not only be a venue for St Patrick’s Athletic FC home fixtures but would also be an asset to Inchicore as well as the wider Dublin area.
The President of St Patrick’s Athletic, Tom O’Mahony, said: “We believe our proposal is a game-changer for Inchicore and, of course, for our club.
“It would give our supporters an ultra-modern stadium which would also be suitable for a wide range of community events.
“It would transform Inchicore and would realise the City Council’s vision of a vibrant, high-quality urban quarter.
“We will now engage with the council to discuss our plans and we hope to have an opportunity to play a leading role in the regeneration of our neighbourhood.”
The outline of the plan has received the initial support of Sinn Féin representatives for the Inchicore area including Councillors Greg Kelly and Daithí Doolan, Senator Fintan Warfield and Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh.
“We were heartened to hear of the commitment of St Patrick’s Athletic FC to Inchicore and the future of both the club and the area,” Cllr Kelly said.
“By employing a community development officer, the club has shown that they are serious about bring the club forward and building up further its community relations.”
St Patrick’s Athletic FC revealed that the type of facilities to be provided will be agreed with the council but could include a library, indoor sports hall, civic theatre etc.
One innovative feature of the development is the inclusion of a UEFA Category 3 stadium.