A deal on the ownership of Tolka Park is expected to be completed by the end of this year. It was revealed at Dublin City Council’s monthly meeting on Monday night that negotiations between Shelbourne Football Club and the local authority have been continuing are due to draw to a close shortly.
The local authority currently owns Tolka Park and Shelbourne have been leasing the grounds since 1989. The Council is involved in lengthy talks with Shelbourne over the sale of Tolka Park to the club with a potential cost of up to €2.5m involved.
However, Council chiefs have also pointed out that they will have to be satisfied that the club has funding available to rebuild the grounds.
Last year Council management announced that it had scrapped plans to rezone Tolka Park for housing. Richard Shakespeare, the Council’s Assistant CEO – and former FAI board member was questioned by former Lord Mayor of Dublin and north inner city Independent councillor Christy Burke whether negotiations were progressing.