Asbestos discovery set to lower Dalymount capacity for Dundalk clash

The discovery of asbestos during the demolition of a stand in Dalymount Park could mean a reduced capacity for Bohemians' first home league game against Dundalk on 24 February.

The Connaught Street terrace, which has long been condemned, was torn down in the last two months ahead of the renovation of the former home of Irish football.

Bohs are set to install a new temporary stand for away supporters in that vicinity which would allow home fans to occupy both the Jodi Stand and the Des Kelly Stand and increase capacity to over 4,000.

However, asbestos has slowed works on removing the old stand and it means the opening home league match with Dundalk may not have the new stand.

Visiting Lilywhite fans would instead be seated behind one of the goals and mean fewer seats for home supporters in a sold-out capacity of 3,700.

In an update to members, Bohs said: "It is with regret that we have faced minor delays in the construction of our new away stand on the Connaught Street side of Dalymount Park.

"This was due to the discovery of asbestos in the area during the demolition process, which delayed the removal of existing structures and materials.

"The knock-on effect is that the Des Kelly Stand may have to revert to an away section for the Dundalk game.

"In such an eventuality, those who have already purchased Des Kelly Stand season tickets will receive Jodi Stand tickets for the Dundalk game.

"Des Kelly Stand season tickets are now back on sale online at a reduced rate to take into account that anyone who purchases one from now on will not be entitled to attend our opening home game."

The planned demolition and rebuild of Dalymount Park into a 6,000 capacity arena was scrapped last summer with a new plan made to include terracing.

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