Changes to redevelopment of Dalymount Park around cost efficiencies
Sarah Slater
Changes are to be made to the redevelopment plans of €64 million Dalymount Park around cost efficiencies, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has revealed.
The “cost efficiencies” will however, Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said, will not “compromise quality,” but instead “modernise the stadium for present day operational requirements,” and support Dalymount’s role as “an important driver of economic activity in the area”.
The Fine Gael councillor pointed out that important changes to the plans for Dalymount Park will ensure the “best possible facilities for fans and players”.
McAdam said he welcomes the “initiation” of the latest report on Dalymount Park, saying it marks another major step towards delivering a new home for Bohemian Football Club and a “transformative community asset” for Phibsborough and the wider northside of Dublin city.
The report proposes important changes to the redevelopment of Dalymount Park, which will strengthen the overall scheme, improve how the stadium works on match days, and expand the community space available within the project.
The redevelopment will deliver a new 8,034-capacity UEFA Category 3 stadium, modern matchday, office, and club facilities for Bohemian FC, a 585 sq.m publicly-accessible community space and gym, new public plaza linking North Circular Road and Connaught Street, space and infrastructure for concerts and non-sporting events and a major boost to the regeneration of Phibsborough village
“It also reflects a clear determination by Dublin City Council to keep this landmark redevelopment moving forward. This is a huge step for Phibsborough, for Bohemians, and the League of Ireland,” McAdams said.
He added: “Dalymount Park is one of the great homes of Irish football. What is now happening is real progress towards giving Bohs, their supporters, and the entire community the modern stadium and community facility they deserve.”
The Part 8 report states that the overall design intent remains in place, while proposing refinements to improve circulation, connectivity, player facilities and stadium operations.
It also includes an increase in the overall floor area of the community facility, along with a range of changes aimed at improving the layout and long-term functionality of the stadium.
The report further states that the modifications are intended to secure cost efficiencies without compromising quality, modernise the stadium for present day operational requirements, and support Dalymount Park’s role as an important driver of economic activity in the area.
“The changes now being proposed are important and welcome. This project has always been about community, identity, regeneration and pride of place.”
The council has also confirmed that Bohemians are expected to play their first home game in the new Dalymount Park at the beginning of the 2029 League of Ireland season.
“It’s great to get confirmation of when we can expect the team to return. It gives supporters, residents and the wider football family in Dublin a date to look forward to. We must get construction underway as soon as possible,” noted the Lord Mayor.