Bohs seek funds for Dalymount revamp
BOHEMIANS last night urged the Government ‘to ensure the appropriate funding mechanism is in place’ for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park after Dublin City Council (DCC)gave planning approval to the project.
Ahead of Friday’s kickoff to the new season, Bohs got the result they wanted yesterday with the go ahead for a reorientation of the pitch, a new sand-based grass playing surface, new stands on the east and west side of the ground, along with terraces north and south.
When complete, it will have a capacity of 8,034, split between 6,240 seats and 1,794 standing. Currently, the ground holds a little over half of that and every home game is a sell-out.
The plans also include provision of modern match-day facilities for teams and officials, club offices, a bar, merchandising store, and a public thoroughfare along the eastern boundary connecting the North Circular Road and Connaught Street.
‘We have engaged extensively with DCC since their acquisition of the stadium in 2015 and thank them for their considerable efforts,’ said Bohs COO Daniel Lambert.
‘We now have a plan to deliver the right stadium for Bohs, Dublin 7 and the city as a whole, at a cost that is appropriate, and that has public and political support.
‘What we need now is the government to ensure the Right funding is forthcoming so that we can have a community stadium to be proud of at the home of Irish football.’
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill welcomed the planning approval.
‘This is great news, and an exciting step forward in our wider Facility Vision,’ he said.
Dalymount has staged thousands of games since 1901 but Bohemians point out it has ‘passed its capability to provide an appropriate, safe and modern facility’.