Project will require public funding says Bit O’Red chairman

THE large-scale redevelopment of The Showgrounds and its accompanying academy hub will require a “huge element of public funding.”

These were the words of Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins who spoke about the €17.3 million project unveiled to the public this week.

“A lot of League of Ireland clubs are accused of a lack of ambition,” he said.

“We have to be ambitious. It’s up to the clubs as well to do things. You can’t depend on anyone else to run your football club.”

“There will have to be a huge element in public funding in this and I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t apply [for this],” he continued. He went on to cite Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers as examples of clubs who receive public funding for their stadiums, Dalymount Park and Tallaght Stadium, the latter of which was provided by South Dublin County Council, who own and operate it.

The budget estimate of The Showgrounds is split into four categories. The design and tender stage will cost aound €1.28 million, the development of the stadium and hybrid pitch will be little under €10 million, construction of a public plaza and car parking spaces will require around €3.7 million, with another €2.4 million required for three off-site academy pitches and a gym.

“It has been well thought-out,” Higgins said. “We believe what we are building for is the future of the club and to make sure the club is on a good footing for the next 50 or 60 years.”

FUTURE LOOK: An artist’s impression of the redeveloped home of Sligo Rovers Football Club.

Another potential avenue of funding raised was the possibility of selling naming rights. Higgins did not rule it out – albeit with the caveat that ‘The Showgrounds’ name is still retained in some way in the venue’s sponsored title. “We are open to anything. Naming rights are quite common. We will see what happens down the road.”

“To be honest I think it would be very attractive, as long as we keep the name of The Showgrounds here,” Higgins added.

PLAN LAUNCH: Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, Mayor of Sligo Borough District, and Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins with a copy of Rovers’ master plan.