Sligo Rovers stadium plans move forward as funding eyed

Sligo Rovers say they are to seek funding for a redevelopment of their Showgrounds stadium shortly after successfully receiving planning permission,

The Bit O' Red published their vision in May 2021 in what would see a €17m overhaul of the venue to make it a 6,100 UEFA category 3 ground.

Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said that the next step is the drawing of detailed designs with a tender process.

The Bit O’ Red have already successfully received funding for upgrading floodlights in the venue and revealed work will begin on that this season.

He said: "The detailed design is a considerable piece of work and will take us up to the end of 2023. Once these are completed the club will be in a position to pursue funding streams to enable the main construction works to commence.

"Our target is to have a new state of the art stadium and related facilities completed in advance of the club’s centenary in 2028 and the granting of planning permission represents a major step forward.

"Funding is a huge challenge but we believe the project represents a very worthy investment from many perspectives for the club, the community and the region."

With sold out matches a feature at the start of the new League of Ireland season, the upgrading of stadia is seen as an urgent issue around the country.

Finn Harps, Bohemians and Drogheda United are just some of the sides seeking imminent work on redeveloped or new venues.

Sligo chairman Higgins praised the FAI for their assistance in their project: "I would like to express my particular thanks to the FAI for their ongoing support in helping us move the project forward and the shared understanding that once completed the project will be a fantastic boost to football in the region."

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