The 1895 Trust is working with public representatives to ensure transparency on the subject of the proposed redevelopment of Dalymount Park, which could potentially involve Shelbourne.
As detailed by Dáil Question No. 581, and featured in several media reports in recent months, this proposal is at an early stage. The aforementioned Dáil Question, put to Minister for Sport Michael Ring by Joan Collins TD (with the assistance of the Trust), affirms this status. Cllr John Lyons also submitted a question to Dublin City Council on the matter on our behalf. You can find the full details of both below.
The 1895 Trust is actively seeking the input of members on the issue. We will not take a position on the issue until mandated to do so by our members. We are currently preparing to hold a referendum to gauge the views of our members on both the ground issue and the future ownership of the club. The results of this referendum will be announced and actions debated at Special General Meeting to be held after our first two home games of the year, to allow sufficient time to consult and debate amongst our fans.
Dublin City Council question:
COUNCILLOR JOHN LYONS: To ask the Chief Executive to provide details on any recent discussions between Bohemians FC, Shelbourne FC, the FAI, the City Council, and any other parties with regards to plans to develop Dalymount Park and the role the council may play in any such plans.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPLY: The Planning and Economic Development Department held a meeting with the management of Dalymount Park as part of the preparation of the issues paper for the review of the Phibsborough LAP. This meeting was one of several stakeholder consultation meetings conducted as part of the process and its purpose was to identify strategic matters relating to the future of Dalymount Park.
These matters were highlighted in the recent issues paper. There has been some tentative discussions with the FAI and Bohemians Football Club in relation to the future of Dalymont Park. There is a suggestion that Dublin City Council could acquire Dalymont Park, lease it to the FAI who would facilitate both Bohemians and Shelbourne Football Clubs to play their matches there. There are significant financial issues to be resolved before such a proposal could be achieved.
Dáil Question No: 581:
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding plans for Dalymount Park’s redevelopment along with Dublin City Council, the FAI, Bohemian FC and Shelbourne FC; the stage the project is currently at; if there are firm timeframes in his Department for completion of the project of a potential ground-share between Bohemian FC and Shelbourne FC and if funds have been earmarked for such a project at this stage. – Joan Collins. *
Answered by the Minister of State for Sports and Tourism, Michael Ring: I am aware that Dublin City Council is examining a proposal involving Dalymount Park and the two clubs referred to by the Deputy. However the proposal is at an early stage and the question of any allocation from my Department does not arise at this stage.