Back page One of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues, Dalymount Park, is set to be revamped ahead of Dublin’s hosting of the EURO 2020 group stage and last 16.
The Aviva Stadium will be one of 12 venues around Europe that will be a part of the next instalment of the European Championships, and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) would like Dalymount Park to act as a legacy venue for the tournament.
Dalymount Park has been the home of Bohemian FC since 1901 and hosted Republic of Ireland internationals from 1904 right up until 1990.
However, it is in desperate need of repair and the proposed upgrade would see a new 10,000 capacity stadium built on the existing site in Phibsboro.
According to Bohs director Daniel Lambert, plans are still being finalised but there are likely to be two main stands that can hold 4000 to 45000 each, with another 1000 to 1500 split between smaller stands behind the goal at each end.
We have looked at safe standing terrace options for parts of the stadium and as a club it is something we would probably be in favour of as it adds to the atmosphere.
About 30% of our fans stand up in seating areas anyway. However, the final decision depends on the council.
– Bohemian FC director Daniel Lambert
According to Lambert, fellow League of Ireland side Shelbourne FC will share the new Dalymount Park with Bohs, a move that would see the end of another iconic Dublin football stadium, Tolka Park.
The facility would be for use by League of Ireland clubs that progress in European competition but whose home grounds don’t meet UEFA’s criteria, Dundalk’s run in this year’s Champions League and Europa League being the most recent example.
Lambert also confirmed that the intention is for Dalymount Park to become a community venue that can host concerts and other events of public interest.
The cost of the redevelopment is expected to be in the region of €20 million, most of which will be covered by the Irish government, and work could commence as early as next October.
