Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[Buller]

Though it's probably of limited use as you're unlikely to make the last train north or south after a match.

If they build a new station it'd likely be after the Dart+ Coastal is implemented, as theres already an application lodged with An Bord Pleanala. Assume DART will run later.

[Nesta99]

Though it's probably of limited use as you're unlikely to make the last train north or south after a match.

Part of the rail strategy is to have extended hourly commuters, so you're correct now but by the time a station is built and definitely by the time a LoI stadium is built there will be a more useful and practical schedule....and maybe flying cars!

[sbgawa]

Flying cars will never work , to dangerous with all the pigs flying around after the loi stadiums are built

[Nesta99]

3045 chap travels back wondering why Harps stadium still isnt finished, Drogheda's not started and the away sections in Oriel is still rustic...and pigs are flying!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou204dQbKwc

Loved this old ad!

[A N Mouse]

Not the league, directly, and a few weeks old, but our fellow tenants have put forward planning proposals for their new stadium.

https://www.derryjournal.com/news/environment/fresh-step-forward-for-institute-fcs-proposed-2097-capacity-clooney-community-stadium-in-derrys-waterside-4758390

It looks pretty good, and as part of a wider plan there another (separate) community pitch/facility to go on the right hand side of that over all image. This would also see the greenway link up to the nearby foyle arena making it within, easy, walking distance of a lot more people.

Now get the popcorn out, for the planning. It's off a busy road. The well to do live on two sides of the site. The was a new development put on the other side in the last few years, some of who were already sold a pup because that other pitch I mentioned would be used as a bonfire site in July/August. Oh and none of them want the greenway, they already objected to that in principle, but it's now getting glossed over amid concerns of traffic, noise and light pollution, parking, and general use of the facilities.

[DCSIL]

3045 chap travels back wondering why Harps stadium still isnt finished, Drogheda's not started and the away sections in Oriel is still rustic...and pigs are flying!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou204dQbKwc

Loved this old ad!

And St Pats v Stephen O'Donnell is still "ongoing"

[Martinho II]

Not the league, directly, and a few weeks old, but our fellow tenants have put forward planning proposals for their new stadium.

https://www.derryjournal.com/news/environment/fresh-step-forward-for-institute-fcs-proposed-2097-capacity-clooney-community-stadium-in-derrys-waterside-4758390

It looks pretty good, and as part of a wider plan there another (separate) community pitch/facility to go on the right hand side of that over all image. This would also see the greenway link up to the nearby foyle arena making it within, easy, walking distance of a lot more people.

Now get the popcorn out, for the planning. It's off a busy road. The well to do live on two sides of the site. The was a new development put on the other side in the last few years, some of who were already sold a pup because that other pitch I mentioned would be used as a bonfire site in July/August. Oh and none of them want the greenway, they already objected to that in principle, but it's now getting glossed over amid concerns of traffic, noise and light pollution, parking, and general use of the facilities.

Forgot that Institute are in the Brandywell this new ground of theirs fair play to them is it much of a walk from the Brandywell and what side of the City is it?

[Mr A]

Forgot that Institute are in the Brandywell this new ground of theirs fair play to them is it much of a walk from the Brandywell and what side of the City is it?

It's on the other side of the river, about 45/50 minute walk from Brandywell. It's a great move for Stute, has them in the city among a community who may not be overly inclined to support Derry City.

[thebronze14]

All gone quiet on the harps stadium front again. Every couple of years theres always a bit of action and the excitement levels grow and then BAM, it goes to radio silence again. No updates, no indication of how fundraising is going or if it's started. Lots of money to be raised but we seem to be going about it a really strange way of doing it

[Buckett]

Harps stadium is at the stage of assessing the tenders that have been received, and an annoucement is expected soon on who the winner is. Then it's time to seek approval from the department of sport and tourism and the FAI to secure grant aid (which shouldn't be a problem I don't think) and then building should start. There's no set timescales, but the nature of the deal (the developer doesn't get their hands on FP until the new ground is complete) means that it is in the interest of the developer to complete the stadium as quickly as possible.

This, from page 1 of this thread, was 18 years ago! It must be incredibly frustrating for Harps fans.

[Nesta99]

You are dead right - this is a real specialist area - crazy he didn’t take you up on the offer. Consultants for this type of thing are pricey.

2 Quantity Surveryors in the family, one born in Dundalk, UK based. I asked them about pro bono work and theysaid yup no problem. One has a pretty big comoany and said it was no big big deal to get the junuir staff on it and gaining experience and hel'd sign it off. Went on to say that they have deals wth other companies right to the construction aspect, The work with the funding bodies and the loan orgainisiations to get projecct ready to go from start to end, and theyd have no issue doing work in Ireland. Makes ye wonder why it is such a problem here to complete a facility.

[A N Mouse]

It's on the other side of the river, about 45/50 minute walk from Brandywell. It's a great move for Stute, has them in the city among a community who may not be overly inclined to support Derry City.


Yeah, the city centre would be about equi-distant to both, so 15-25 mins walk in either direction. From city centre this would be over the peace bridge, through ebringtion, cross the main road and it would be off a street a couple hundred metres to the left.

And yeah this would put stute in close proximity to 4/5 'working class protestant' areas. Way back when they were going intermediate there was expectation in some quarters that they'd take the pitch on the other side of the cricket ground that would be their neighbours here - note the new practice wickets at the top of the overall pic - as YMCA grounds had already been under 3ft of water by that stage.

Looking at the plans seems possible they could restrict matchday access to parking so that it had to come through the housing estate and not from the main road. This would also serve to make it more accessible form the Belfast direction.

[EalingGreen]

Yeah, the city centre would be about equi-distant to both, so 15-25 mins walk in either direction. From city centre this would be over the peace bridge, through ebringtion, cross the main road and it would be off a street a couple hundred metres to the left.

And yeah this would put stute in close proximity to 4/5 'working class protestant' areas. Way back when they were going intermediate there was expectation in some quarters that they'd take the pitch on the other side of the cricket ground that would be their neighbours here - note the new practice wickets at the top of the overall pic - as YMCA grounds had already been under 3ft of water by that stage.

Looking at the plans seems possible they could restrict matchday access to parking so that it had to come through the housing estate and not from the main road. This would also serve to make it more accessible form the Belfast direction.If Stute could end up with something similar to the Blanchflower Stadium in Belfast (H&W Welders, 2k capacity), that would be brilliant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGy1sVydAvI

[2 Year Contract]

Wexford's new stadium plans:

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/first-look-at-proposed-wexford-fc-stadium-as-ceo-pitches-new-community-approach-to-league-of-ireland-football/a1388162386.html

[Philosophizer]

Wexford's new stadium plans:

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/first-look-at-proposed-wexford-fc-stadium-as-ceo-pitches-new-community-approach-to-league-of-ireland-football/a1388162386.html

“The stadium is a modular build. It can go up to 6,000 capacity,” he explains. “We could start at 2,500 and build on. That’s the beauty of it.”

So they’ll end up with one stand and that will be it forever.
The Astro pitches and other community facilities do sound good tho.

[Buckett]

Who will be in their new ground first? Drogheda, Finn Harps, Wexford or Bohemians?

[sidewayspasser]

Who will be in their new ground first? Drogheda, Finn Harps, Wexford or Bohemians?
Antrim GAA

[Philosophizer]

Who will be in their new ground first? Drogheda, Finn Harps, Wexford or Bohemians?
You forgot Pats. Don’t they also have plans to rebuild, or move across the road.

[Buckett]

I did forget Pat's. I thought the project across the road was ended by the Councils plan to build houses?

[nigel-harps1954]

Who will be in their new ground first? Drogheda, Finn Harps, Wexford or Bohemians?

Thurles Town to buy Semple Stadium and re-enter the league.

[Philosophizer]

I did forget Pat's. I thought the project across the road was ended by the Councils plan to build houses?
Project across the road must be dead. This article states that the council is acquiring the houses on Emmet road (by compulsory order if necessary) so they can redevelop the stands up to the road. They’ll keep the facade of the houses though to maintain the streetscape. Could look great if they pull it off.
https://dublininquirer.com/2023/07/05/on-emmet-road-in-inchicore-st-patricks-athletic-fc-plans-to-expand-its-stadium/

[Martinho II]

Project across the road must be dead. This article states that the council is acquiring the houses on Emmet road (by compulsory order if necessary) so they can redevelop the stands up to the road. They’ll keep the facade of the houses though to maintain the streetscape. Could look great if they pull it off.
https://dublininquirer.com/2023/07/05/on-emmet-road-in-inchicore-st-patricks-athletic-fc-plans-to-expand-its-stadium/

Didnt know about St Pats development. One of my all time fav grounds for its uniqueness with its location with houses in between. Would be a shame to see them move.

[nr637]

Didnt know about St Pats development. One of my all time fav grounds for its uniqueness with its location with houses in between. Would be a shame to see them move.

Could be years before any work really happens as there is always issues and delays when the council are acquiring houses, I wouldn't be over excited. :confused:

[Buckett]

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/boost-for-bohs-dundalk-and-other-loi-clubs-as-over-27million-awarded-in-grants-by-government/a1952609324.html

I see that Kerry have been awarded €388k plus €52k via KDL for Mounthawk Park, any of ye know what the improvements will be?

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

https://www.fai.ie/latest/fai-thanks-government-ministers-following-record-funding-announcement/

For the pitch going by this

[Buckett]

Thanks. I was hoping it would be a new away stand!

[kingdomkerry]

Surely Kerry will have to use some of it on the entrance/exit. Replacing one small door with a couple of large gates wouldn't eat too much into it.

[nigel-harps1954]

Latest update from Finn Park 2.0

https://finnharps.ie/update-on-the-finn-harps-stadium-project/

[FabioMane19]

Latest update from Finn Park 2.0

https://finnharps.ie/update-on-the-finn-harps-stadium-project/

"This is based on a total funding from Large Scale Infrastructure Grant of €4.7m"

Is this from last years announcements, or have Harps announced early what they're due to get this year?

[nr637]

"This is based on a total funding from Large Scale Infrastructure Grant of €4.7m"

Is this from last years announcements, or have Harps announced early what they're due to get this year?

I think the design is based on an initial 6,000 capacity and with a design structure suitable to increase overtime if necessary.

[Buller]

"This is based on a total funding from Large Scale Infrastructure Grant of €4.7m"

Is this from last years announcements, or have Harps announced early what they're due to get this year?

Think I heard that figure last year. It's ready to go once they stump up the initial amount?

As far as I know, these are the club who applied for it this year with help from FAI:
"Bohemians, Drogheda United, Galway United, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, Treaty United and Wexford have all applied for a share of the €120m funding approved by Government to be allocated across all sports as they look to develop supporting infrastructure. (Large Scale Infrastructure Grants)"

[nr637]

What would be the basic criteria for any grounds used by teams that may be part of this new third tier expansion of the league system in 2025!

Obviously the ground would need to be suitably closed off with proper exit/entrance provided.
The pitch would also need to have a suitable perimeter fence.
Acceptable toilet facilities.
Suitable dressing rooms for both teams and officials.
Suitable viewing areas for fans.
Option to segregate away visiting fans.

As usual I suppose the FAI will allow teams in with open fields with plans to upgrade overtime!

[D24Saint]

Didnt know about St Pats development. One of my all time fav grounds for its uniqueness with its location with houses in between. Would be a shame to see them move.

It’s being kept very hush hush after the Richmond Arena episode. The fans are taking a wait and see approach after so many disappointments over the years.

[nr637]

Anyone able to offer details of current non-league clubs, Senior or Junior that have a ground & facilities better than any of the current First Division clubs?

[sbgawa]

Wayside Celtic have a nice set up in Kiltiernan in South county Dublin.
From memeory full size pitch and 1 if not 2 full size astros and smaller pitches.
Great clubhouse as well.
The main pitch doesnt have seats but could be added in fairly easily.
Would be better by a mile than stradbrook where cabinteely played.
They might be interested in applying for a third tier place to get access to the underage structures.
Cant imaging the FAI would want another club in South county Dublin.

TEK in Dublin also have a nice little ground with a stand

[nr637]

Anyone got info or images of the Derry City Stadium new stand progress!

[Dermobohs]

Wayside Celtic have a nice set up in Kiltiernan in South county Dublin.
From memeory full size pitch and 1 if not 2 full size astros and smaller pitches.
Great clubhouse as well.
The main pitch doesnt have seats but could be added in fairly easily.
Would be better by a mile than stradbrook where cabinteely played.
They might be interested in applying for a third tier place to get access to the underage structures.
Cant imaging the FAI would want another club in South county Dublin.

TEK in Dublin also have a nice little ground with a stand
They have indeed sb, been up to kiltiernan with a few of my young lads teams, always top facilities and a decent bunch too

[VinnyDCFC]

Anyone got info or images of the Derry City Stadium new stand progress!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8472143279505326&set=pcb.2046824509090958

[2 Year Contract]

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8472143279505326&set=pcb.2046824509090958
Nice! Looks like it’ll be bigger than I had remembered in my head from the concept drawing

[nr637]

Nice! Looks like it’ll be bigger than I had remembered in my head from the concept drawing

I counted 22 steps of terracing, I believe the capacity is around 2,500!

[nr637]

Nice! Looks like it’ll be bigger than I had remembered in my head from the concept drawing

We will get a good view of the current work in progress on the new North Terrace Stand at the Brandywell Road end of the ground as the Derry v Shels game is on RTE 2 tonight!

According to the planning applications it is expected to accommodate 2,700 standing places or alternatively 1,850 seated supporters when it comes to European competitions.

[EatYerGreens]

According to the planning applications it is expected to accommodate 2,700 standing places or alternatively 1,850 seated supporters when it comes to European competitions.

Have UEFA confirmed yet that rail seating will be allowed across Europe, following the pilots they did?

[nr637]

Have UEFA confirmed yet that rail seating will be allowed across Europe, following the pilots they did?

At least the proposed 2,700 standing or in and around 2,500 capacity figure will be in place of the LOI 2025 season.

[dundalkfc10]

Have UEFA confirmed yet that rail seating will be allowed across Europe, following the pilots they did?

They allow it in Dortmund, Celtic Park, Spurs stadium so I assume it's allowed now across the board

[thebronze14]

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8472143279505326&set=pcb.2046824509090958
With the plastic pitch and only two ends I don't like the Brandywell as a ground at all (rivalry aside), but this will make it much better

[fionnsci]

On Second Captains this week David Sneyd mentioned that Pat's were looking at ways to increase capacity in the short term for next season. Has anyone heard any details? There might be issues with making the full shed available to home fans given the narrow access point via the Camac and with access from the other side blocked by the away section.

I wonder if removing the seats in the singing section would be a runner from a health and safety perspective. Opens up twice as many rows, given that everyone stands in there anyway. Would reduce European capacity but later rounds are held in Tallaght anyway.

There's probably room to slightly expand the Patrons' Stand behind the goal but not sure if that's feasible practically or financially.

[nr637]

Maybe when they see a full North Terrace stand next season, they might consider adding a similar South Terrace stand!

[Buckett]

With the plastic pitch and only two ends I don't like the Brandywell as a ground at all (rivalry aside), but this will make it much better
They should put the astro in the dog track. It'll be a nice little ground with the new stand

[brendy_éire]

They should put the astro in the dog track. It'll be a nice little ground with the new stand

Apparently that's a non-runner because of dog ****e.

No reason the astro couldn't be put in one of the other council facilities.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

25m for Dalymount

https://x.com/alanfarrell/status/1853198015281959134?s=46&t=X_wthh81hc_IALu9TUBX1A