Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[SeanDMRooney]

Which plans were disappointing?

https://www.finnharps.ie/post/finn-harps-stadium-plans-update-august-2019


i never thought we’d see phase 2.

I also for what it was worth thought it was a woeful idea to tie funding for the training facility to the stadium

[nigel-harps1954]

https://www.finnharps.ie/post/finn-harps-stadium-plans-update-august-2019


i never thought we’d see phase 2.

I also for what it was worth thought it was a woeful idea to tie funding for the training facility to the stadium

Far as I know, the training facility is being done in conjunction with Donegal County council.

The Athlone type job is only phase one. We're going to end up with two main stands and two terraced ends.

[SeanDMRooney]

Far as I know, the training facility is being done in conjunction with Donegal County council.

The Athlone type job is only phase one. We're going to end up with two main stands and two terraced ends.

im sure that’s the plan and I’ll believe we’ll see phase two when phase two starts in the Brandywell

[Nesta99]

Far as I know, the training facility is being done in conjunction with Donegal County council.

The Athlone type job is only phase one. We're going to end up with two main stands and two terraced ends.

On current timescale of delivery phase 4 should be complete in 43 years of there about!

Nigel i admire your unwavering belief but how often do club managed projects move beyond Phase 1!? Certainly 2 struggled to even gate phase 1 complete.

[SeanDMRooney]

On current timescale of delivery phase 4 should be complete in 43 years of there about!

Nigel i admire your unwavering belief but how often do club managed projects move beyond Phase 1!?

The whole League of Ireland is still in Phase One.

[nigel-harps1954]

I'm definitely in the 'believe it when I see it' camp too, but considering most of the terracing is expected to be part of phase one, I don't believe we'll end up with just one stand and a barren ground otherwise like Lissywollen.

[SeanDMRooney]

I'm definitely in the 'believe it when I see it' camp too, but considering most of the terracing is expected to be part of phase one, I don't believe we'll end up with just one stand and a barren ground otherwise like Lissywollen.

I think I have certainly given up on the idea we will ever see anything. I don’t know whose fault all this is but even with all the barriers to projects in Ireland this has been just beyond justifying. As well as the fact nobody has ever been candid about the reasons for starting, stopping etc. At some point this is the fault of the board because while there is always a convenient excuse the economic crisis, the FAI things are being built and for some reason the club cannot get this done

[dong]

Is the redevelopment of Dalymount still going ahead?

[A N Mouse]

im sure that’s the plan and I’ll believe we’ll see phase two when phase two starts in the Brandywell

You're optimistic! Brandywell phase two should have been anounced back in 2017.

Its in appendix 1 of new deal, so expect movement soon. Even if money not announced for a while.

[SeanDMRooney]

You're optimistic! Brandywell phase two should have been anounced back in 2017.

Its in appendix 1 of new deal, so expect movement soon. Even if money not announced for a while.

is the brandywell a regional/sub regional stadium for the purposes of the deal?

[Mr_Parker]

is the brandywell a regional/sub regional stadium for the purposes of the deal?

Deal? It is a sham deal cooked up by the DUP and Sinn Fein.

[Dalymountrower]

13.7 millon euro allocated to cash rich GAA for single use stadiums in Waterford Navan and some other kip.Nothing for Dalymount .

[Joe Strummer]

13.7 millon euro allocated to cash rich GAA for single use stadiums in Waterford Navan and some other kip.Nothing for Dalymount .

Thats the fault of the FAI.

[Dalymountrower]

Also an extra 10 million for Connacht rugby.
No real need for the FAI to have any involvement.
Municipal stadium owned by the local authority.

[Dalymountrower]

My mistake, an extra 10 million for Connacht rugby, bringing the total to 20 million.Probably about 50 k per registered adult player in the province.

[SeanDMRooney]

My mistake, an extra 10 million for Connacht rugby, bringing the total to 20 million.Probably about 50 k per registered adult player in the province.

It is my understanding that Dalymount is being dealt with under stream one of the LSSIF the outcome of which hadn't been announced yet

[redarmyfaction]

http://www.donegalsporthub.com/finn-harps-stadium-plans-in-limbo-as-project-left-off-funding-list/

Finn Harps left in limbo once again..

This news has left me gutted.

Extremely disappointing for all at Harps, biggest kick in the teeth is that I read today something like, that Connacht Rugby have had their stadium allocation increased to 20m from 10m courtesy of An Teesh.

[Martinho II]

Seen something in one of papers today that there is another tranche of funding to be announced on Monday Harps could feature in this?

[SeanDMRooney]

Seen something in one of papers today that there is another tranche of funding to be announced on Monday Harps could feature in this?

It's for projects that are further behind in the development process based on what I read so that would definitely make sense for Harps and Bohs

[Kingswood Rover]

The thing that makes me so made angry about the FAI is there 3rd rate performance when compared to the GAA and IRFU when it comes to accessing governement funding. Most popular sport on the at this point only habitable planet in the universe, most registered players of any sport in the country and we had to have humpty dumpty, dumbo and Laurel and Hardy in charge.

[Nesta99]

The Sportsground probably does need improving but didnt think 20mil worth of work! Undoubtedly Pearse Stadium will get a multimillion € redevelopment soon enough. With ED Park (a good facility too), the Rugby and GAA ground(in due course) in a city of 80K - value for money for the taxpayer...

[Nesta99]

The thing that makes me so made angry about the FAI is there 3rd rate performance when compared to the GAA and IRFU when it comes to accessing governement funding. Most popular sport on the at this point only habitable planet in the universe, most registered players of any sport in the country and we had to have humpty dumpty, dumbo and Laurel and Hardy in charge.

The FAI have been incredibly poor at lobbying for funding of new gounds to the point of contempt for their own sport. But the level of funding for GAA and IRFU has a lot to do with so many TDs only looking to support their own insular agenda. Sure look at McCreevy and his support of horse racing and reducing betting taxes down to 1% as a raging gambler, one of the most blatant incidences of looking after personal interest in sport. The active blocking of a new stadium for rugby and soccer for Dundalk and Drogheda by likes of Peter Fitzpatrick (ex Louth GAA manager) is another fine example.

[A N Mouse]

is the brandywell a regional/sub regional stadium for the purposes of the deal?

It was funded from the scheme as such previously.

If you care to look you'll find quotes from usual suspects suggesting dcfc play in IL if they want to avail of such funding.

It isn't new money, any announcement on stadia (possible exception of particular $h1tshow in Belfast) will be getting on three years late. So yeah, we could have had an announcement about phase two before completion of phase one, how mad would that have been?

[nigel-harps1954]

Finn Harps released a statement on the matter this morning:



Finn Harps wish to express our disappointment at the exclusion of the Donegal Community Stadium Project from the funding approvals announced by the Dept. of Sport in recent days.

The project had previously been approved by the Department of Sport, and commenced on site, with substantial work carried out. However the Dept were unable to continue funding during the recession and work ceased.

In 2017, given the original commitment to the project and the fact that significant funding was already incurred, the Department proposed a new model to deliver the project, and the Club agreed to same. Since then the Club have implemented what has been required in line with the new model proposed, and received a Department allocation in respect of same last year. The Club understood that final funding approval was imminent to complete the main stand, pitch floodlights and ancillary facilities, and is surprised and disappointed that the project has not been included at this time. The project is 'shovel ready', with detailed design, bill of quantities, planning permission etc all in place.

The Club welcomes that fact that the Department have already committed and spent over €1m on the project, however, we are concerned that further delays are only going to result in increased costs, and the structures already in place on site will deteriorate. In conclusion, the project cannot be delivered without the support and approval of the Department of Sport. We have not yet had any formal communication from the Department, but we understand that this will be forthcoming within the coming week or two. The Club will be following up with with the Department to determine when the commitments already given to the project will be implemented.

https://www.finnharps.ie/post/finn-harps-club-statement-on-stadium-project?fbclid=IwAR3fuo4O-D2cbKjgQSYcShGDDlQ2opaXj0u7WcjN2f_bjsh7ifj221LZOz8

[pineapple stu]

Didn't Shane Ross say last month that clubs only had to apply and they'd get funding, or that he wanted to see a lot more applications from LoI clubs, or something along those lines?

[disgruntled]

Also an extra 10 million for Connacht rugby.
No real need for the FAI to have any involvement.
Municipal stadium owned by the local authority.

Both the Rugby & GAA have strong associations constantly lobbying for them while the LOI & football in general have the FAI :rolleyes:

[nigel-harps1954]

Didn't Shane Ross say last month that clubs only had to apply and they'd get funding, or that he wanted to see a lot more applications from LoI clubs, or something along those lines?

Shane Ross said a lot of things. He gave assurances to Harps that he reneged on

[pineapple stu]

Well yeah - but if Shane Ross said these things, it should be emphasised I think.

[Nesta99]

Did the site have to be purchased after the land swap with the developer fell through? Not knowing the ins and outs I'd have thought that if contracts were signed with the developer back in 2007 that they should have been held to the contractual obligations. Yes the bottom fell out of the property market but tough, the builder speculated and were going to lose money - many people ended up in negative equity but couldnt renege on agreements made. Also surely Finn Park recovered a lot of its value by even the 2014 push and definitely 2017. I think it was said that new plans mean that Finn Park will will be held on to, Stranrolar is key to Harps plans so cant Finn Park be back on the table as up for sale even at 75% of 2007 value. That'd generate roughly 800k and would finish the current phase, keep things moving until the issue with the Dept is sorted.

I dont know what sort of site prep work was needed and could have eaten in to the initial 750k (assuming all of the 2019 300k was used up revising plans) but i'd have thought there was enough in the overall 1mil to secure the site from deterioration while waiting - an additional year is frustrating but is it really going that mouldy or will much more so in a year? The developer doesnt want to continue work until money is payed up front and they are probably right considering promised money transpired to = €0 available to pay them but if proportionate funding is needed to draw down a grant where would Harps secure that 20% or whatever is required these days (I doubt it is matching funding as in the past?).

[SeanDMRooney]

http://www.donegalsporthub.com/finn-harps-seek-answers-over-stadium-funding-debacle/

if this is accurate it is more complex than the Minister screwed us

[Nesta99]

http://www.donegalsporthub.com/finn-harps-seek-answers-over-stadium-funding-debacle/

if this is accurate it is more complex than the Minister screwed us

What did Finn Harps do to be punished by the FAI - not release a statement massaging the former CEOs ego and backing him after the PAC charade? Sounds like the FAI have put all effort in to securing funding Glenmire at Harps expense. It's been mentioned on Orielweb that senior members of the Munster FA are relations of Delaney so one last dose of back scratching among the old cliqué. You'd think all things considered that the Dept of Sport would have snubbed a proposal that is so close to Delaney - a dose of their own medicine in punishment!

[bohsmug]

Question for Sligo supporters or anybody who knows. How did Sligo manage to build their stand behind the goal for €200k? Is that the going rate for similar or was the work carried out by somebody with a grá for the club?

Also, in general, I wonder if the desire for cantilever style roofs hamstrings clubs a little bit. Does it mean that stands like that end up being uncovered with a vague plan to eventually put a roof in? Would fans have a big issue with support beams if it was a lot cheaper?

[David BOHie]

Question for Sligo supporters or anybody who knows. How did Sligo manage to build their stand behind the goal for €200k? Is that the going rate for similar or was the work carried out by somebody with a grá for the club?

Also, in general, I wonder if the desire for cantilever style roofs hamstrings clubs a little bit. Does it mean that stands like that end up being uncovered with a vague plan to eventually put a roof in? Would fans have a big issue with support beams if it was a lot cheaper?


Personally, I hate support beams. They look amateurish and old. I cannot wait for the redeveloped Dalymount so they'll be removed and you won't miss headers, tackles, penalty incidents etc. Dalyer isn't even too bad when compared with the away end in Drogheda and Tolka Park.

[Dalymountrower]

It is my understanding that Dalymount is being dealt with under stream one of the LSSIF the outcome of which hadn't been announced yet

QuOte from Councillor Joe Costelloe... collective punishment for the sins of the few in the FAI.
Labour candidate for Dublin Central, and spokesperson on Urban Regeneration Cllr Joe Costello has condemned the failure of Fine Gael to fund the development of Dalymount while millions has been found for other sports in the pre-election funding announcement.

Cllr Costello said:

"The failure of the Government to provide any funding for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park in the latest round of €77 grants for sporting infrastructure is astonishing and unacceptable. Dublin City Council has drawn up a regeneration plan for the stadium costing €35 million that would be financed jointly by the City Council and the Government. Each would contribute €15 million. However, the Government which was expected to deliver its share of €15 million in the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) gave absolutely nothing to the project.

"At the same time major funding was provided to the GAA and to Irish Rugby out of the €77 million fund. Indeed an extra €10m was found for Connacht rugby for Fine Gael candidates to announce locally on top of the €10m already allocated.

"It appears that Irish soccer has become the victim of the row between the FAI and the Government. Soccer is the sport engaged in by the largest number of young people in this country. Neither gaelic football nor hurling have equal numbers.

"Dalymount Park, the home of Bohemians, have been promised funding by the Government for a number of years. The stadium is to be developed as a community hub with a range of local sporting facilities and a new library for the Phibsborough area. Shelbourne Football Club would move from its base in Tolka Park and share the grounds. It was intended that the stadium would become the second tier stadium after the Aviva Stadium, hosting under-age and women’s international matches.

"This Government has destroyed the dream for a new home for Bohemians and Shelbourne and at the same time they have signalled to the business community and residents of Phibsborough that they do not care about a major project that would have kickstarted a major regeneration of Phibsborough."

[Mr A]

What did Finn Harps do to be punished by the FAI - not release a statement massaging the former CEOs ego and backing him after the PAC charade? Sounds like the FAI have put all effort in to securing funding Glenmire at Harps expense. It's been mentioned on Orielweb that senior members of the Munster FA are relations of Delaney so one last dose of back scratching among the old cliqué. You'd think all things considered that the Dept of Sport would have snubbed a proposal that is so close to Delaney - a dose of their own medicine in punishment!

Our rep has been quite outspoken about the need to implement change faster including at the AGM. But then only one FAI project made it at all so that could be smokescreen as well. We need to get to the bottom of what happened with this situation TBH.

[Martinho II]

Thats disgraceful behaviour from this sham of a government more obessed with the GAA and rugby. I stand corrected on what I said last week as todays announcements were for new projects only. Our only hope is to have Fianna Fail in charge.

[redarmyfaction]

FG must think that Joe McHugh is a shoe in, in Donegal come the election, but looking at the restless t from last time, 2 SF looks a possibility providing Pringle gets in McHugh could be our.

Wouldn't be surprised for an announcement for funding to be made yet, seems an awful OG for FG, but even if it is made doesn't mean it will come. Most People in Dublin NC (if that is where Dayler is) couldn't give a feck about Dayler, well not enough to count.

[nigel-harps1954]

Harps' Paul McLoone will be on Highland Radio tomorrow morning at 9am to talk about the project and where we go from here. It'll be interesting to say the least.

[SeanDMRooney]

https://bohemianfc.com/?p=15112


as suspected

[nigel-harps1954]

Effectively, as expected, the government department made a balls of Harps application.

The application was initially turned down by the department due to a lack of an 'ecomonic appraisal'. After the sh!t-show they were met with in the aftermath of the announcements, this document was all of a sudden found somewhere.

The project has been put into the review stage with the other approved projects.

There's a limited time left for work to restart before the €1.2m already spent on the project is effectively wasted.

[Dalymountrower]

https://bohemianfc.com/?p=15112


as suspected
Parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Hardly enough to keep the Dalymount cat fed

[SeanDMRooney]

Parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Hardly enough to keep the Dalymount cat fed

The hipster in Phibsboro really need to reduce what they spend on cat food so.

But on a serious note it allows a project that is far from shovel ready to proceed to the next stage

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Question for Sligo supporters or anybody who knows. How did Sligo manage to build their stand behind the goal for €200k? Is that the going rate for similar or was the work carried out by somebody with a grá for the club?

Also, in general, I wonder if the desire for cantilever style roofs hamstrings clubs a little bit. Does it mean that stands like that end up being uncovered with a vague plan to eventually put a roof in? Would fans have a big issue with support beams if it was a lot cheaper?

Don’t believe we got a discount for it from whoever did it. Also thought it was €130k.

[Mr A]

More on the Harps situation: http://www.donegalsporthub.com/totally-and-utterly-unacceptable-harps-official-blasts-stadium-funding-omission/?fbclid=IwAR3aEOr_B6C-EmaTxo1hiyXiVM8ddO9O3GPAdN4bTHb0mIG6Dv1fvrXlStM

Fair to say Paul isn't overly happy with the situation.

[Dalymountrower]

Paul is no mug, would expect him to get the funding approved before the election.

[D24Saint]

Do all the current allocation of grants go out the window with the election ?

[Red Star]

Question for Sligo supporters or anybody who knows. How did Sligo manage to build their stand behind the goal for €200k? Is that the going rate for similar or was the work carried out by somebody with a grá for the club?

Money from qualifying for Europe mainly, also some sponsorship. Its called the VW Bank stand. It could badly do with a roof. Sligo is one of the wettest parts of the country

[Mr A]

No, they are committed now so should be OK where they are allocated.

Meanwhile Harps have written to all local Dail candidates about stadium issue.

https://www.finnharps.ie/post/harps-write-to-election-candidates-ahead-of-general-election

[bohsmug]

Money from qualifying for Europe mainly, also some sponsorship. Its called the VW Bank stand. It could badly do with a roof. Sligo is one of the wettest parts of the country

Yeah I'd imagine even if it could be part-roofed it would be better than nothing. At 1,300 capacity, the stand is probably a bit too big. I noticed that even the aspirational plans for the old shed end don't include spectator accommodation as a priority, saying increased capacity is not needed. Whereas if the VW stand was a bit smaller there might be more of a push to have another small stand down that end. I really like the Showgrounds, it's really close to being all you could ever need in a LOI ground but for a few niggley things like the lack of roof and empty shed end. It's one of our best grounds IMO.

[Mr A]

Responses from candidates and from the county council and FAI posted on site Harps site here: https://www.finnharps.ie/post/responses-received-from-candidates-in-general-election-2020

The idea that was put about the day after the announcement from someone within department that the FAI and Council aren't backing us is dispelled here and the story about the economic appraisal not being there was total BS.