Redevelopment of Dalymount Park has been delayed again with work now due to be completed in January 2026 due to rising costs.
After the initial dual club project between Bohemians and Shelbourne for a 6,000 all-seater Uefa category 3 arena rose from €36 million to an “unviable” €52 million, Dublin City Council (DCC) has called for scaled back plans estimated at €46 million.
But there follows a stark warning that plans are subject to “ongoing cost inflation currently affecting all capital projects,” the DCC explained.
Nonetheless, Bohemians officials were encouraged by Wednesday evening’s statement from the council as it confirmed a new “one club model” following Shels’ decision to remain at Tolka Park.
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Bohs, who first played at Dalymount in 1901, put their latest vision to members at Wednesday night’s annual general meeting, as they seek to move away from demolition of the entire stadium and reconfiguring of the pitch.
Two options are now being explored. One is a “scaled back” version of the initial 6,000 capacity with “community facilities” ideally retained, but the second option, a 5,000 capacity main stand with terracing for 2,300 fans has a better chance of happening.
The architects Idom and Gilroy-McMahon have until September 4th to submit the latest preliminary design and cost estimate, with a detailed plan for the redevelopment due by November 28th.
The DCC statement added: “The delivery of the programme will be subjected to confirmed substantial funding for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park to be made available through stream two of the ‘Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund’. To date, no announcement has been made in relation to round two of the LSSIF.”
Bohemians initially entered a ground-sharing agreement with Shelbourne for a new stadium to be ready for the 2025/26 season. Previously, Dalymount reborn was to be unveiled before Ireland hosted group matches at Euro 2020.
Number one on the FAI’s list of six strategic pillars from 2022 to 2025 is to “transform football facilities and infrastructure” with Dalymount the jewel in this crown, but that is no longer possible as the iconic Phibsboro patch will not be completed until closer to the end of the decade.
Shelbourne plan to redevelop Tolka Park now that the DCC have abandoned the idea of rezoning the stadium for residential use.
“Dublin City Council acquired both Tolka Park and Dalymount Park in order to ensure that both clubs, which were struggling post-recession, could be retained in the city,” said Owen Keegan, DCC chief executive, last May. “The intention was to develop one municipal stadium capable of accommodating both football clubs.
“Given the strong heritage, including international matches associated with Dalymount, both clubs and DCC agreed that the new municipal stadium should be at Dalymount, to be partly funded by the disposal of the Tolka Park grounds.
“However, more recently Shelbourne have indicated to the city council that they are exploring options which will include plans to utilise Tolka Park for football/sports use.
“Having regard to these circumstances … it is recommended that [renovation of Dalymount Park] be expanded to include Tolka Park.”
