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Dublin City Council has voted in favour of granting a new 250-year lease for Premier Division football club Shelbourne to continue playing at Tolka Park.
Shelbourne said the decision marks a “significant milestone” in its history, securing the future of its home stadium for “generations to come”. As part of the agreement, Shelbourne has committed to investing in community-based full-time roles.
Tolka Park has been owned by the council since 2016. At the time, there were plans for Shelbourne and Bohemians to share a redeveloped Dalymount Park.
Shelbourne’s intended move to Dalymount Park was met with opposition by fans, and in 2022 the club elected to remain at Tolka Park. The council has previously pledged to support Shelbourne in its plans to redevelop Tolka Park and a new 250-year lease deal has now been approved by the local authority.
Shelbourne said in a statement: “We look forward to working closely with Dublin City Council and our community partners to ensure that Tolka Park will be a vibrant hub for football and a source of pride for the entire community for future generations of Dubliners.
“This evening’s historic vote will be celebrated by many who have played their part in making it happen. Shelbourne FC extends its gratitude to everyone involved in reaching this crucial juncture, our supporters, staff, shareholders, board members, players, and volunteers. We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to all those involved in the Save Tolka Park campaign for their immeasurable contribution.”
Shelbourne has played at Tolka Park since the 1950s. The stadium has a capacity of 5,700.
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