Dublin City Council to examine Shelbourne's Tolka Park redevelopment proposal

Dublin City Council says it will examine a proposal from Shelbourne to redevelop Tolka Park into a multi-sport stadium.

The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division club met with DCC officials on Friday to discuss the proposal they have submitted to purchase the stadium in Drumcondra with plans for redevelopment.

The council says it expects to receive more detail on Shelbourne's proposals within the next fortnight after which "due diligence" will be carried out.

In a statement, DCC said: "The City Council is willing to examine the proposal. However, it would be based on a cost recovery model for expenditure incurred by the City Council and a firm commitment from Shelbourne FC that Tolka Park can be re-developed in a reasonable period and that adequate finance is in place. We understand that the proposals will have no financial implications for either the City Council or the State.

"Dublin City Council would like to reaffirm its commitment to developing a municipal stadium at Dalymount Park. We are continuing to work with all stakeholders including both clubs, the Government and local community groups to develop a modern municipal stadium."

In 2016, Shelbourne ceded its interest in Tolka Park to the council as part of an agreement to relocate to a redeveloped Dalymount Park as co-anchor tenants with Bohemians - a move which has been met with opposition by campaigners who wish to keep 'public land for public use' and turn the stadium into a shared communal institution that would include a gym, crèche, café, enterprise centre, and public toilets.

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