Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[WeAreRovers]

I see on the front page of the Tallaght Echo this week that the North Stand will be delayed "some weeks" due to supply chain issues. It did look like there was an awful lot still to do the last time I was passing. While the overall structure looks very complete the internal structures looked a good way off.

September is the new completion date. All large infrastructure projects are suffering with supply chain issues so no real surprise. Hopefully will be open for a European Group stage campaign.

[2 Year Contract]

Bit of detail in the below article on the proposed redevelopment of Richmond Park. The council are in the process of acquiring the houses on Emmett Road in order to allow more space for redeveloping the ground. There’s also talk of a footbridge over the Camac to allow another access point to the ground. Full details could be made public as early as September

https://dublininquirer.com/2023/07/05/on-emmet-road-in-inchicore-st-patricks-athletic-fc-plans-to-expand-its-stadium/

[cláirseach]

That footbridge has been mentioned before and would be quite the addition. It's possibly the most stressful ground in the league for exit points.

[Burnsie]

where would the footbridge lead to? somewhere on Inchicore Road?

[JC_GUFC]

There's a small park in Kilmainham on the other side of the river, so I imagine it would be a footbridge from behind a new stand on the Camac side to that. It could be that half of the Camac side will be the away end - so away fans enter/exit through Kilmainham while the home fans enter via the entrance on Inchicore Road.

The good news is there wouldn't be enough room on the site to flip direction of the pitch!

[Mr A]

There's a small park in Kilmainham on the other side of the river, so I imagine it would be a footbridge from behind a new stand on the Camac side to that. It could be that half of the Camac side will be the away end - so away fans enter/exit through Kilmainham while the home fans enter via the entrance on Inchicore Road.

The good news is there wouldn't be enough room on the site to flip direction of the pitch!

Unless they make it vertical, loads of room then

[TonyD]

Bit of detail in the below article on the proposed redevelopment of Richmond Park. The council are in the process of acquiring the houses on Emmett Road in order to allow more space for redeveloping the ground. There’s also talk of a footbridge over the Camac to allow another access point to the ground. Full details could be made public as early as September

https://dublininquirer.com/2023/07/05/on-emmet-road-in-inchicore-st-patricks-athletic-fc-plans-to-expand-its-stadium/

I still think the St Michaels estate proposal would have made more sense. Having said that, I won’t be unhappy if this comes to pass. The timeframe is another matter of course. Sometime in the next thirty years would be nice !

[Glen Of Aherlow]

I still think the St Michaels estate proposal would have made more sense. Having said that, I won’t be unhappy if this comes to pass. The timeframe is another matter of course. Sometime in the next thirty years would be nice !

That was the problem with the St. Michaels Estate plan , it made sense . Nothing that makes sense ever has a chance in this country.

Hopefully something comes of this , though i can see it being put on the long finger while Dalymount gets sorted.

[EalingGreen]

(Apologies if this is the wrong thread - please move/delete if so)

Anyhow, there is a Cheltenham Town fan calling himself the "Gloucester Groundhopper" who blogs on various football grounds nearby at all levels, from EFL to village pub teams. Somehow or other he found himself at Tolka Park in April for a womens' game against Treaty United! Here are his observations:
https://gloucestergroundho.wixsite.com/gloucester-groundhop/post/tolka-park-shelbourne-fc

[Shinkicker]

I have to say it's a 5000 all seated, very modern looking stadium in the Faroe Islands. While and most of our clubs have a capacity under 5000 including standing and totally outdated facilities. Serious action required

[DCWA]

I have to say it's a 5000 all seated, very modern looking stadium in the Faroe Islands. While and most of our clubs have a capacity under 5000 including standing and totally outdated facilities. Serious action required

This is the national stadium tbf, not HB Torshavn’s so would be more fairly compared to the Aviva.

[cláirseach]

Ntional stadiums are always going to have a bit more put into them but it looks tidy enough alright.

[pineapple stu]

Are they playing in the national stadium or their own ground (which is right next door)?

[nigel-harps1954]

Fantastic little ground Torsvollur. 6,500 all seater, but with only three sides completed. The fourth side would make it 7,500 or thereabouts and would be a properly fantastic stadium for any LOI side to follow. Imagine it cost well out of budget of any of our sides though.

[ger121]

I looked at the video of that ground earlier and I was thinking, we could do with a few of those. Lovely tidy stadium.

[Shinkicker]

I looked at the video of that ground earlier and I was thinking, we could do with a few of those. Lovely tidy stadium.
Cost 17.5 million€ in 2011.taking into account inflation and how remote the Faroe Islands are, so costs would naturally be significantly, you wonder if the new Dalymount at circa 40 million€ is real value for money?

[redarmyfaction]

I made a rare visit to the twin towns last week, I normally take the bypass, it seemed there was a crane onsite of the new Finn Park.

[EatYerGreens]

I made a rare visit to the twin towns last week, I normally take the bypass, it seemed there was a crane onsite of the new Finn Park.

There's a bypass of Ballybofey/Stranorlar?!

[nigel-harps1954]

There's a bypass of Ballybofey/Stranorlar?!

Not officially, but there's a back road that'll take you around it.

[Kingswood Rover]

That was the problem with the St. Michaels Estate plan , it made sense . Nothing that makes sense ever has a chance in this country.

Hopefully something comes of this , though i can see it being put on the long finger while Dalymount gets sorted.
I thought getting our independence, staying out of active participation in WW2, joining the EEC and telling the Catholic Church to go fcuk them selves were things that made sense and they happened. Its not a bad little country;)

[Glen Of Aherlow]

I thought getting our independence, staying out of active participation in WW2, joining the EEC and telling
the Catholic Church to go fcuk them selves were things that made sense and they happened. Its not a bad little country;)

I’m open to correction but I don’t think Owen Keegan was involved in any of those decisions

[Philosophizer]

Just listening back to the latest episode of LOI central and they’re talking about the Icelanders (very valid) comments about Oriel. Dan McD mentioned that at the time of installation Dundalk opted against installing a bounce pad (one of the under layers) for their Astro. So disappointing to hear that. Not having a proper sprinkler system basically means your Astro will be rubbish but when you’re not even installing the necessary layers you’ve got no hope.
In any case, Ireland has one of the best climates in the world for natural grass so fai should just ban all these crappy astros in LOI stadia once and for all.

[EatYerGreens]

In any case, Ireland has one of the best climates in the world for natural grass so fai should just ban all these crappy astros in LOI stadia once and for all.

That makes no sense at all. Just because someone puts in a crap version of something doesn't mean that EVERY version of it should be banned. Particularly as the governing UEFA body doesn't ban artificial surfaces, and they continue to grow in number in lots of places.

A much more sensible approach would be to have decent minimum standards/requirements for artificial turf included in the licensing process. There are good versions of artifical pitches out there.

[nigel-harps1954]

In agreement with Philosophizer. Astros should be banned from LOI. As someone who has scraped water off the pitch in Finn Park, and faces a regular battle to have a pitch playable at the start and end of season, I'd take that all day over horrible artificial surfaces.

Sand based pitches are thankfully becoming more common in Ireland, and LOI clubs should be looking at building them over artificial surfaces, as they're much more durable, can take a decent amount of traffic, and when built and drained properly can take a fair amount of water and still remain playable.

[Philosophizer]

Just because someone puts in a crap version of something doesn't mean that EVERY version of it should be banned.
There are some decent versions out there - I know plenty of Nordic and Russian teams use them well. But that’s because their climate gives them no other option. Uefa could hardly ban astro when teams like Bodo Glimt are inside the arctic circle.
No LOI team has ever had an astro that’s suitable for high level professional football.
Even a properly built astro with all necessary under layers and integrated sprinkler system is inferior to a natural grass pitch, which our climate is perfect for.
I’d like to see the fai with their new strategic plan work with LOI clubs to bring their training facilities etc up to a level where they don’t need astros in the main pitch any more.

[EalingGreen]

In agreement with Philosophizer. Astros should be banned from LOI. As someone who has scraped water off the pitch in Finn Park, and faces a regular battle to have a pitch playable at the start and end of season, I'd take that all day over horrible artificial surfaces. There's also the question of fairness. If a 10 team league has, say, 4 artificial pitches, then any team which has one will play 2/3 of their matches on artificial. Whereas a team with grass will play fewer than 1/4 of their matches on same.

This disadvantage is even more marked for Cup games, i.e. whether you're drawn Home or Away.

Quite honestly, I don't think there's any excuse for any Senior LOI club not having grass - I mean, it's not as if a club risked going to the expense of installing a grass pitch, then found themselves relegated out of the LOI to a league where artificial is allowed. While additional clubs introduced to the LOI like eg Kerry FC should be granted 3(?) seasons to move from artificial to grass.

And I think the same principle should apply in the IL too. And to allow for Promotion/Relegation, any team with an artificial pitch which gets promoted to the top two tiers should be required to install grass after their 3rd(?) successive season at Senior level. (Obviously should they get relegated out of the IL before then, they could stick to artificial.)

[Guitd]

In agreement with Philosophizer. Astros should be banned from LOI. As someone who has scraped water off the pitch in Finn Park, and faces a regular battle to have a pitch playable at the start and end of season, I'd take that all day over horrible artificial surfaces.

Sand based pitches are thankfully becoming more common in Ireland, and LOI clubs should be looking at building them over artificial surfaces, as they're much more durable, can take a decent amount of traffic, and when built and drained properly can take a fair amount of water and still remain playable.

Eamonn Deacy Park is a full sand carpet constructed in 1995 and still in great condition
Has more that 100 games per year and rarely has a game postponed in one of the wettest area of the country properly looked after and managed grass pitches are better performing

[Yossarian]

What is the story with that new stand in Tallaght? I heard before the game last night that there is an issue for the fire officer with the exits. Any truth in that? Looking at the stand up there last night it’s noticeable how smaller the entrance/exit in the seating area is compared to the other three stands.
Those two green seats have been there in their own now for a while.

[redobit]

What is the story with that new stand in Tallaght? I heard before the game last night that there is an issue for the fire officer with the exits. Any truth in that? Looking at the stand up there last night it’s noticeable how smaller the entrance/exit in the seating area is compared to the other three stands.
Those two green seats have been there in their own now for a while.

Before you construct a new building you need to submit a FSC (Fire Safety Certificate) to the fire service where a load of fire safety guidance is proposed, reviewed and finally granted. Where there may be a issue is where it was not designed and/ or constructed in compliance with the granted FSC.

[Shinkicker]

Aerial and pitch-side drawings of the new 8,000 capacity Dalymount Park.

Planning to be lodged in the coming days.

[Shinkicker]

I tried to copy the photos but couldn't get them across. Look for yourselves on twitter or X
I think it looks terrible. FCKU all squared behind one goal and about 200 behind the other goal.
With the sell on for Evan Ferguson expected to be so big Bohs should be self investing and future proofing the stadium.
It will look terrible like this.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Why can’t we just build proper 4 sided stadia

[RealJohn91]

I tried to copy the photos but couldn't get them across. Look for yourselves on twitter or X
I think it looks terrible. FCKU all squared behind one goal and about 200 behind the other goal.
With the sell on for Evan Ferguson expected to be so big Bohs should be self investing and future proofing the stadium.
It will look terrible like this.
I mean that sounds like an incredible stupid idea.

[joey B]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F52F6jxW8AAHrEO?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F52F6jyXsAEBHL9?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F52F6j5WMAALXpS?format=jpg&name=large

[Philosophizer]

I still think it’s painfully squat. Can’t understand why they haven’t shown a bit more ambition and aimed for 10-12K.

[EatYerGreens]

Bohs will outgrow that capacity/design within 10-20years of it opening. Guaranteed.

If an AIL happens within that period, they'll outgrow it even quicker.

Is there a suggested timescale for work starting and ending on it?

[Shinkicker]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F52F6jxW8AAHrEO?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F52F6jyXsAEBHL9?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F52F6j5WMAALXpS?format=jpg&name=large
How did you get the photos across.?

[pineapple stu]

From the original site, you can right click on an image and "Copy image address"

Then here, use the [img) [/img) tags (with a square bracket at the end) and put the link in between the two tags. Should work then.

[Shinkicker]

From the original site, you can right click on an image and "Copy image address"

Then here, use the [img) [/img) tags (with a square bracket at the end) and put the link in between the two tags. Should work then.
Cheers, it wouldn't let me copy them. I'll keep trying

[2 Year Contract]

That third picture looks the absolute image of Markets Field if you extended the stand the full length of the pitch. Even has a similar church behind the goal!

Image at the top of this article for reference: https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/markets-field-s2999

[wonder88]

Looks nice compared to what is there now, but agree the capacity should be set at 10k minimum. Was the Tramway end (Philip Greene radio commentary) the opposite goal to the school end (Des Kelly)?

[yurt]

I don't might the slightly less ambitious 8k capacity for the new Dalymount. The 6k on the initial plans was definitely a little light but think 8k is a decent size for them in the medium term.

The way things have gone in the past couple years it's reasonable to forecast rovers, bohs and maybe more would regularly attract 10k+ but it's still early days on the leagues new path.

I personally don't see it happening but the arse can come out of it just as fast so being on the conservative side is probably the right move over the long term.

If they are selling out the 8k stadium at the same rate they are their current set up over a couple of seasons then they can try and access some form of expansion if/when that time comes.

[EatYerGreens]

I don't might the slightly less ambitious 8k capacity for the new Dalymount. The 6k on the initial plans was definitely a little light but think 8k is a decent size for them in the medium term.

The way things have gone in the past couple years it's reasonable to forecast rovers, bohs and maybe more would regularly attract 10k+ but it's still early days on the leagues new path.

I personally don't see it happening but the arse can come out of it just as fast so being on the conservative side is probably the right move over the long term.

If they are selling out the 8k stadium at the same rate they are their current set up over a couple of seasons then they can try and access some form of expansion if/when that time comes.

Would be essential for the design of the new stadium to enable future expansion if required. The problem with the previous design was not just that it had a capacity that was too low, but also that it seemed to preclude future changes.

[Martinho II]

Whats going to happen with the other end of the ground where part of the old pitch is? It seems creative but rather limited..

[SkStu]

I don't might the slightly less ambitious 8k capacity for the new Dalymount. The 6k on the initial plans was definitely a little light but think 8k is a decent size for them in the medium term.

The way things have gone in the past couple years it's reasonable to forecast rovers, bohs and maybe more would regularly attract 10k+ but it's still early days on the leagues new path.

I personally don't see it happening but the arse can come out of it just as fast so being on the conservative side is probably the right move over the long term.

If they are selling out the 8k stadium at the same rate they are their current set up over a couple of seasons then they can try and access some form of expansion if/when that time comes.

I agree that 8k is fine for now but I do worry that we will need more and I’m not sure if/how it will be able to be expanded. Not sure you can add anything to either of the open ends given property lines and the two stands look single stand traditional roofing set-up… it looks to me like it locks us in at 8k.

[EalingGreen]

More problems for Harps at Stranorlor:

Finn Harps must raise €700,000 for new stadium work

A fundraising committee and a 'main fundraising initiative' will be set up in the coming weeks as Finn Harps look to address a significant funding shortfall for the development of the Donegal Community Stadium in Stranorlar, as rising costs have taken the cost to €7.3m

More here: https://www.donegallive.ie/news/soccer/1293684/finn-harps-must-raise-700-000-for-new-stadium-work.html

[nr637]

More problems for Harps at Stranorlor:

Finn Harps must raise €700,000 for new stadium work

A fundraising committee and a 'main fundraising initiative' will be set up in the coming weeks as Finn Harps look to address a significant funding shortfall for the development of the Donegal Community Stadium in Stranorlar, as rising costs have taken the cost to €7.3m

More here: https://www.donegallive.ie/news/soccer/1293684/finn-harps-must-raise-700-000-for-new-stadium-work.html

Any local Sugar Daddy, American Business, Oligarch or Sheikh in Donegal able to help! :confused:

[EatYerGreens]

I thought Harps always had to raise €700k for the stadium? Or is this a new/increased sum?

They should do a deal with the contractor whereby they effectively cover Harps' £700k (or a portion of it) and then the club pays it back to them over time plus interest, with a legal charge on the ground until it's cleared. That way the work goes ahead for the contractor, and they also keep earning from the site after the build-out is complete. And Harps benefit from getting their new stadium.

[nigel-harps1954]

We always had to raise matched funding. There's nothing new about this. The only new part is the rising costs, which is unfortunate.

The article above has come from a stadium update posted on the club website and article in match programme from Waterford game.

https://finnharps.ie/new-stadium-update-from-ian-harkin/

It will require a massive fundraising effort, but that's already well underway. Would be ideal if someone came in to help with a big bulk of costs, however.

[2 Year Contract]

How much of the 700k has been raised to date?