Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Any idea where Derry are going to play while redevelopment is happening?

Windsor Park

[nigel-harps1954]

Any idea where Derry are going to play while redevelopment is happening?

I would guess, the Brandywell. Safe to assume the pitch will be built in the off-season after the stand is completed.

[SalvadorSanchez]

I would guess, the Brandywell. Safe to assume the pitch will be built in the off-season after the stand is completed.
Forgive my stupidity but how is that going to work? Relay a pitch right up to the existing stand which is being retained and then demolish and build behind a fence at the opposite side?
Doesn't look like there's much hope for the goals ends with the space that being left
Oui/Non?

[blueblood]

Something I picked up on today.
Oldham Athletic are building a new stand with a capacity of 2340.
Nice size I would say for a League of Ireland ground.
Cost £5 million. That's approx €6.25 million.
So as i said you won't get much for €1.5 million especially if you have to put in a half decent pitch as well.In fairness that's some stand/office space/gym area, a lot more than I would expect in fact it's similar to Limerick original plans from years ago. The pitch was done before this e1.5m grant and I don't think anyone was expecting the stadium to be completed with e1.5m that was never the plan, LEDP were supposed to invest in the ground themselves.
Everyone had planned something bigger but there's no getting away from the fact we're getting one of the worst grounds in the premier division and all the early talk of 'a stadium Limerick can be proud of' won't happen. Thank god they got this grant money or there'd be feck all done, that was never the intention.

[blueblood]

Just out of curiosity how much did the main stand at Turners Cross cost? Or Athlones stand.

[Mr A]

Not sure they're for sale, like the ambition though.

[Guitd]

Grant Aid of 200k just announced tonight from FAI to Deacy Park for upgrade of facilities and completion of dressing rooms in new Comer stand

[Terry]

Grant Aid of 200k just announced tonight from FAI to Deacy Park for upgrade of facilities and completion of dressing rooms in new Comer stand

Was it from the FAI? I thought it was a sports capital grant from the government?

[blueblood]

Not sure they're for sale, like the ambition though.
B*stards ;)

[WoodquayBoy]

Government grant - was announced by Minister for Sport & Tourism, Michael
Ring

[Aaron]

4G pitch going down in the Brandywell, but to level the pitch off and remove "the hill" would take 2 years to complete

[dong]

why would it take 2 years?

[BonnieShels]

They've decided to use spoons to save money.

[Aaron]

why would it take 2 years?

Well the pitch would have to be dug up and levelled off, in fact it would only take 2 years if it was a grass pitch because of growth and stuff like that. That came from one of our groundsmen. I'm not too sure what the timeframe would be for the astro, but 100% sure the whole pitch needs levelled, it has a 7ft drop from on end to the other

[ger121]

Some more welcome news. Now if only a few more grounds could get something....

http://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/fai-welcomes-minister-rings-%E2%82%AC12m-grant-for-irish-football

[White Horse]

Some more welcome news. Now if only a few more grounds could get something....

http://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/fai-welcomes-minister-rings-%E2%82%AC12m-grant-for-irish-football

Nothing for Louth. The facilities in Dundalk and Drogheda must be too good to improve.

[Dunny]

Aye the one's that need it.No harm to Deacy Park or to Cork but come on ........

[ger121]

Louth was the first one that sprung to mind.

[Pablo Escobar]

I'd like to know who applied. If you don't apply, you get nothing. It's the away fans that will most likely benefit from our grant :p

[Longfordian]

So the FAI decide where the sports capital money goes. Therefore any clubs who annoy Delaney are quite likely to be frozen out of any grant money. Another reason not to rock the boat.

[Dunny]

I'd like to know who applied. If you don't apply, you get nothing. It's the away fans that will most likely benefit from our grant :p
Aye Dundalk didnt apply.That would be wrong

[Jofspring]

I was going to say the Markets Field could have done with that grant but then I read the below article.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/11m-grant-will-help-restoration-of-historic-markets-field-254079.htm

Looking at this article it says:

LEDP raised €400,00
Government grant - €1.1m
And then an additional fund from the JP McManus Foundation - €1.5m

Total - €3m in funding for he Markets Field.

I have been under the impression that €1.5m is the total of funding for the Markets Field. That article says different and there have also been articles saying the FAI have given grants. No one seems to know what the story actually is. There may be a bit of confusion with that piece i'd imagine.

[culloty82]

Will come in extremely handy for Mounthawk Park - the KDL were going ahead with the project regardless, but the grant will defray a large proportion of the costs. May 1st will be the official opening.

[blueblood]

I was going to say the Markets Field could have done with that grant but then I read the below article.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/11m-grant-will-help-restoration-of-historic-markets-field-254079.htm

Looking at this article it says:

LEDP raised €400,00
Government grant - €1.1m
And then an additional fund from the JP McManus Foundation - €1.5m

Total - €3m in funding for he Markets Field.

I have been under the impression that €1.5m is the total of funding for the Markets Field. That article says different and there have also been articles saying the FAI have given grants. No one seems to know what the story actually is. There may be a bit of confusion with that piece i'd imagine.
As far as I know LEDP raised the 400k through previous grants/donations etc, government grant of 1.1m and JP purchased MF for 1.5m.

[El-Pietro]

I know that the MFA were looking for funding for specific projects at Turners Cross. A permanent structure should be built behind the St. Annes end to provide toilet facilities. Maybe Dundalk et all didn't apply, or maybe their applications weren't as specific/detailed.

In fairness there is enough for clubs to be doing during the season (and as we now know post season as well), it would be easy enough for something like this to fall down the list of priorities. Clubs rarely have enough volunteers as it is, finding time to put together applications for this sort of thing may be tough, and they may not have the expertise to put a funding application together. The MFA/GFA in contrast are likely very well versed in this process.

[White Horse]

I know that the MFA were looking for funding for specific projects at Turners Cross. A permanent structure should be built behind the St. Annes end to provide toilet facilities. Maybe Dundalk et all didn't apply, or maybe their applications weren't as specific/detailed.

In fairness there is enough for clubs to be doing during the season (and as we now know post season as well), it would be easy enough for something like this to fall down the list of priorities. Clubs rarely have enough volunteers as it is, finding time to put together applications for this sort of thing may be tough, and they may not have the expertise to put a funding application together. The MFA/GFA in contrast are likely very well versed in this process.

I would imagine that clubs who own and operate their own grounds do not devote as much time to planning the future development of their facilities as representative bodies such as the MFA. As you say, the work that is involved in getting a team through several domestic competitions and a European one (hopefully) is staggering.

The end result are woefully inadequate facilities in many of the biggest football areas in the country.

This is also unlikely to change as day to day oerating pressures only seem to increase.

[SalvadorSanchez]

Aye the one's that need it.No harm to Deacy Park or to Cork but come on ........

No offence taken old boy, Considering Dundalk are champions and looking at European football next season and that Drogs are in dire need of some help, you'd think something would have gone Louths way....
Maybe the FAI think that Drogs/United Park is now in a such a dire situation (ground, board chaos etc.) that it might be seen as throwing good money after bad and that a move is the only answer and that the money might not be administered effectively... You'd think Dundalk would have gotten something though....
ye might have to do a DVD boys....:p

[Pablo Escobar]

No offence taken old boy, Considering Dundalk are champions and looking at European football next season and that Drogs are in dire need of some help, you'd think something would have gone Louths way....
Maybe the FAI think that Drogs/United Park is now in a such a dire situation (ground, board chaos etc.) that it might be seen as throwing good money after bad and that a move is the only answer and that the money might not be administered effectively... You'd think Dundalk would have gotten something though....
ye might have to do a DVD boys....:p
Did they apply? I have heard unsubstantiated rumours that they didn't. The Government doesn't call you up and ask you if you'd like a grant!

[SalvadorSanchez]

Did they apply? I have heard unsubstantiated rumours that they didn't. The Government doesn't call you up and ask you if you'd like a grant!
They sure don't.... it's a poor show if that's the case....

[Longfordian]

From my knowledge of LTFC affairs I know we've applied several times and haven't gotten anything. I think 2006 was the last time we got anything and that was only €25k or so. Now I'm not privy to the exact applications that went in but I doubt they were all substandard. You'd expect some bit of guidance that would enable you to figure out where you were going wrong after one or two applications anyway. It shouldn't be all that complicated. Expensive maybe if you have to pay for a professional job but not difficult.

[adamd164]

http://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/fai-welcomes-minister-rings-%E2%82%AC12m-grant-for-irish-football

Great to see money going towards the upkeep of TX; as usual the club's tenancy was important in securing the funds.

http://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2014/11/21/club-welcomes-grant-for-turners-cross/


Club welcomes grant for Turner's Cross

Cork City Football Club were delighted to hear this morning’s announcement of the allocation of a grant to our good friends and colleagues in the Munster Football Association. The club is delighted to see further investment in Turner’s Cross, which will host European football in 2015 for the first time in a number of years.

Commenting on the news, Cork City Chief Executive Tim Murphy said: “For many years now, we have enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Munster FA, as tenants in Turner’s Cross. We are looking forward to the ground being further enhanced in the coming months, and having seen their efforts at first hand, I would like to thank and commend Mr. John Delaney of the FAI and Minister Simon Coveney T.D. for their work in securing the funding to help upgrade the standards at the ground.”

[Onefootednopace]

Great to see money going towards the upkeep of TX; as usual the club's tenancy was important in securing the funds.

http://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2014/11/21/club-welcomes-grant-for-turners-cross/

Hope there is a few bob set aside to update the PA system, it's very hit and miss.

[White Horse]

Did they apply? I have heard unsubstantiated rumours that they didn't. The Government doesn't call you up and ask you if you'd like a grant!

Where did you hear these "unsubstantiated rumours"? I'd be interested to know. You must have enough confidence in their accuracy to post them.

My information from people involved in both clubs is that both Dundalk FC and Drogheda United have applied for each allocation of grant aid in the last number of years. However, neither club expects to be automatically successful as many clubs apply and there is a lot more work to be done to the football facilities in the country than there is money available.

[oriel]

I find it incredible that a grant is awarded to best ground in the league. I mean what exactly is the priority at TC to use this money for? Filling in each corner?

[SalvadorSanchez]

I find it incredible that a grant is awarded to best ground in the league. I mean what exactly is the priority at TC to use this money for? Filling in each corner?
the government will always back "winners" low risk projects that will get done on time and on budget. TX is well managed by the MFA so a guaranteed success story for Michael Ring. The clubs most in need of help are in chaos at the moment, Bray and Drogs most need help with their grounds, structure etc. so government won't touch them because there's a chance the cash/project will go to crap.
i understand that cork are looking at improving supporters facilities, toilets etc. etc.

[Jofspring]

The toilet facilities in the away end are shocking so I'd imagine that is one area that will be improved in turners cross.

[nigel-harps1954]

I find it incredible that a grant is awarded to best ground in the league. I mean what exactly is the priority at TC to use this money for? Filling in each corner?

Just because Oriel Park has a crap away end, doesn't mean everywhere else should too.

[The Donie Forde]

Turner's Cross is in the second city of the country. Despite what people may think about the Cross in LOI terms, it is limited in many ways, not least being capacity. Facilities at the away are being covered by this grant, I do believe, and possibly one or two other necessary things to be done.
We don't have a Thomond Park in Cork, we don't even have an RDS, which is something of a blot on the whole Celtic Tiger period regarding sports investment in the city.
Also, the Cross will get €200k while Pairc Uí Chaoimh will get €30 million public money as part of a €70 million redevelopment.

[Nesta99]

Pairc Uí Chaoimh will get €30 million public money as part of a €70 million redevelopment.

Which totally flys in the face of Government policy to prioritising funding to multi sport multi use projects!

[jinxy lilywhite]

Turner's Cross is in the second city of the country. Despite what people may think about the Cross in LOI terms, it is limited in many ways, not least being capacity. Facilities at the away are being covered by this grant, I do believe, and possibly one or two other necessary things to be done.
We don't have a Thomond Park in Cork, we don't even have an RDS, which is something of a blot on the whole Celtic Tiger period regarding sports investment in the city.
Also, the Cross will get €200k while Pairc Uí Chaoimh will get €30 million public money as part of a €70 million redevelopment.

To be fair, fair play to CCFC\MFA on getting their grant. I am certain that the reasons are just as needy as that of other clubs.

Just before people do cry poverty and that they don't get enough. The east coast outside Dublin is really lacking decent stadia in all codes of sport. Actually could really spread that to all of Leinster. Munster has very good stadia in all its counties from funding and hand outs.

[oriel]

Just because Oriel Park has a crap away end, doesn't mean everywhere else should too.

I never suggested our away section was not dreadful or commented on the standard of others Nigel, and I've been long advocating improvements in oriel park, however none of this was mentioned in my initial response. My point was my surprise at giving a grant to the ground which least required it.

[Charlie Darwin]

I find it incredible that a grant is awarded to best ground in the league. I mean what exactly is the priority at TC to use this money for? Filling in each corner?
I'd imagine each grant application involved the applicant detailing what they'd use the money for and what benefit it would provide. It could well be that MFA made a very good case for what they can do with 200k but those involved with other grounds that have more problems couldn't show they'd spend the money as well. I don't know whether that's true, just saying how it's not simply a case of giving the money to the worst grounds.

[nigel-harps1954]

Already a better playing surface than Oriel.

[Ezeikial]

Already a better playing surface than Oriel.

Originality is the fine art of remembering what you hear but forgetting where you heard it. (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/laurencej100432.html?src=t_originality)
Laurence J. Peter (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/laurence_j_peter.html)

[White Horse]

I'd imagine each grant application involved the applicant detailing what they'd use the money for and what benefit it would provide. It could well be that MFA made a very good case for what they can do with 200k but those involved with other grounds that have more problems couldn't show they'd spend the money as well. I don't know whether that's true, just saying how it's not simply a case of giving the money to the worst grounds.

That could be the case.

However, there appears to little desire to improve facilities in areas of Leinster outside Dublin. It would appear that the focus is towards investing in major urban centres. An understandable strategy, but unfortunate for Louth and we probably have the largest participation rate in football in the country.

[Dodge]

That could be the case.

However, there appears to little desire to improve facilities in areas of Leinster outside Dublin. It would appear that the focus is towards investing in major urban centres. An understandable strategy, but unfortunate for Louth and we probably have the largest participation rate in football in the country.
It isn't like the FAI are throwing money at Dublin either

[redobit]

It isn't like the FAI are throwing money at Dublin either

They'll be throwing money at the Aviva for years to come.

[JC_GUFC]

I don't think it's any coincidence that the two biggest beneficiaries here were Galway and Cork who groundshare with the local FAs.
This will benefit clubs other than just the resident League of Ireland club.
I think in Sligo the Showgrounds is regarded as the centre of excellence for football in that region. Also you can see with the u21 internationals being played there it's very much "in favour".
Why in Limerick, for example, has there been no plan to permanently move to Jackman Park? When Limerick did play there it always seemed to be a temporary solution. Surely if a plan to develop Jackman Park along with the Limerick FA was put in to place it would be looked on favourably by the FAI.
John Delaney mentioned something similar with his proposed redevelopment of Dalymount that they'd work with the local council etc. I think League of Ireland clubs will struggle to get any funding for their own private stadium which will solely benefit them.

[nigel-harps1954]

I don't think it's any coincidence that the two biggest beneficiaries here were Galway and Cork who groundshare with the local FAs.
This will benefit clubs other than just the resident League of Ireland club.
I think in Sligo the Showgrounds is regarded as the centre of excellence for football in that region. Also you can see with the u21 internationals being played there it's very much "in favour".
Why in Limerick, for example, has there been no plan to permanently move to Jackman Park? When Limerick did play there it always seemed to be a temporary solution. Surely if a plan to develop Jackman Park along with the Limerick FA was put in to place it would be looked on favourably by the FAI.
John Delaney mentioned something similar with his proposed redevelopment of Dalymount that they'd work with the local council etc. I think League of Ireland clubs will struggle to get any funding for their own private stadium which will solely benefit them.

You realise Finn Harps new stadium will be owned by Finn Harps?

[wonder88]

Casement Park refused planning by the Court in Belfast. I feel myself it was a bit too big but with so much public money going into it, the view was "build it and they will come" I suppose. I know it is not a soccer ground; but anyone who saw the rte news item last night would notice how quickly grounds can fall into a poor state if maintenance is not done.