Industry News

Old Irish stadiums to get $50m face-lift

The Irish government is investing €50m (£53.6m/$62.1m) into redeveloping some of the country’s oldest stadiums.

Bohemian FC’s Dalymount Park, Meath GAA’s Pairc Tailteann and Leinster Rugby’s RDS (pictured), are among the many venues that will be getting a face-lift.

Ireland’s failure to secure the 2023 Rugby World Cup has meant that the extra available cash has boosted its Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund.

The RDS stadium is the only project that has been granted planning permission for a €26m revamp by Dublin City Council.

The redevelopment will increase capacity from 18,500 to 21,000, though the RDS is still awaiting a decision on government funding.

A spokesman said: “The RDS is continuing to speak to Government about part-financing the redevelopment and enabling work to commence.”

DCC, which owns Dalymount, has only applied for funding to assist with the drawing up of plans and recently received a €65,000 grant under the Sports Capital Programme.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann in Navan into a 22,000 all-seater arena is estimated to cost €9m, with Croke Park and the Leinster Council set to contribute €4m.

A Transport Departments spokesman said: “Following the conclusion of Budget 2018 discussions, the Department is committed to establishing a new ‘Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund’ in 2018.

“The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount available under the Sports Capital Programme (where the maximum grant is currently €200,000).

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