Dalymount Park and Tolka Park to be Acquired by Dublin City Council
Two of the most storied football stadiums in the country, Bohemians' Dalymount Park and Shelbourne's Tolka Park, are in the final stages of being acquired by Dublin City Council according to The Irish Times. The deal is dependent on Bohs settling their debt with Zurich bank, believed to €3.6m, DCC is funding the proposal and will take the freehold on the ground once the deal is complete. DCC currently owns Tolka Park, but has since leased it, the deal would see the leasehold return to DCC.
As has been suggested multiple times over the last number of years, Shels will likely move to Dalymount as part of the deal, possibly as early as the 2016 season, which would leave the quickly approaching 2015 season as their last in Dublin 9. Tolka Park, a 2.3km walk from Dalymount, occupies a prime piece of land in Drumcondra, will then likely be used for residential development.
The news comes a few months after FAI CEO John Delaney had talked about using Euro 2020 as a chance to redevelop Dalymount stadium, leaving a legacy from the tournament.
The move is likely to be controversial, particularly with Shels fans who have called Tolka home since 1989. However with both clubs known to have weak financial positions, as well as declining performances on the pitch, it may be in the best interests of both clubs. With Shamrock Rovers playing at South Dublin County Council owned Tallaght Stadium it will leave the majority of Dublin clubs playing in state owned stadia.
See Also: The Night Zinedine Zidane Played In Dalymount Park
Picture credit: Piaras O Midheach / SPORTSFILE
