Dublin City Council has completed the purchase of Dublin’s iconic Dalymount Park stadium for €3.8m from Bohemians FC.
When we announced the likely deal two months ago it was said to be contingent on changing the lease terms at Polka Park enabling the Council, which already owns that ground, selling it and moving Shelbourne into a ground share agreement with Bohemians at Dalymount.
That element of the deal though has not come through in advance of the purchase of Dalymount. Dublin City Council Deputy CEO Brendan Kenny advised councillors last night that an offer was still open for Shelbourne to share the ground and a similar conclusion may yet arise over a longer time period.
The ground will now be developed as a sporting centre, most likely with greater community access.
Councillors were last night urging that a firm plan be brought forward as soon as possible, potentially with some investment from the FAI, so that the ground, in close proximity to the Mater Hospital and on the line of the new cross city Luas can be upgraded as part of an overall area regeneration.
The new Dublin Institute of Technology campus at Grangegorman is also just up the road from the stadium.
It may in time lead to the laying of an artificial pitch, similar to those at Donnybrook Stadium or being used in the Women’s World Cup in Canada at present. This would enable greater time use of the facility through the winter.
Bohemians will use the proceeds of the sale of the ground to pay outstanding debt with Zurich Bank
‘I am delighted that Dublin City Council has been able to agree a deal for the purchase of Dalymount Park,” said Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and local TD Paschal Donohoe.
“Dalymount Park has a special place in the affections of Irish football fans and the stadium has witnessed many wonderful footballing occasions over the years.”
“It goes without saying that DCC deserves great credit for its proactive approach in this matter. This model of ownership and operation of a stadium by a local authority follows the example set by South Dublin County Council in relation to Tallaght Stadium. It will ensure that Dalymount will be a great asset to the local community.”
“Obviously a redeveloped Stadium will be a boost for Bohemians in particular, and the League of Ireland in general, but it can be expected that such a redevelopment will bring about wider economic benefits for the local area.”
