Members of Shelbourne have sent a proposal to Dublin City Council for the purchase of Tolka Park to redevelop it as a multi-sport stadium.
The stadium in Drumcondra has been the Reds’ men’s team permanent home since 1978 and, since 2020, has also housed the club’s successful women’s team.
Tolka has also been home to former League of Ireland side Drumcondra, five times league winners, and current Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers.
Shels are currently Women’s National League champions, and will compete in the 2022 UEFA Champions League.
Ian Morris’ men’s side won the First Division for the second time in three years last year before Damien Duff was installed as manager for the current campaign.
Tolka is the spiritual home for Shels’ vibrant fanbase - who have purchased a record number of season tickets for the 2022 season - but has been earmarked for housing development.
DCC took full control of the ground, which was opened in 1924, in 2016 as part of a plan to redevelop Bohemians’ home a short trip across the north inner-city in Phibsboro.
The council planned to release the site on Richmond Road for housing and allow Shels to groundshare with Bohs at the new Dalymount.
Former Shelbourne chairman Joe Casey reported the club’s debt, in 2014, at eight million euro but, in part due to turning over the lease, the club is now on a sustainable economic footing.
The proposed move has always been unpopular with Shels fans, however, and the Save Tolka Park movement was launched in 2021 to retain Tolka for sporting use.
Tolka is not just home to Shelbourne’s women’s and men’s team - it also hosts the annual Dublin Pride game with the city’s only LGBTQ+ inclusive side, the Dublin Devils.
And the fan-led movement to retain the iconic ground as a public amenity and sporting good has progressed as the club submitted a proposal to purchase the ground outright.
“Dublin City Council officials met with Shelbourne Football Club Board members today and a proposal submitted by the club to purchase Tolka Park Football Stadium from the City Council and redevelop it into a multi-sport stadium was discussed,” reads the council’s statement.
“Dublin City Council has agreed in good faith to examine the proposal in detail and will reconvene meetings with the Board of Shelbourne FC when further detail has been provided, which is expected to be received from Shelbourne FC within the next two weeks. The City Council will then carry out its due diligence on the proposal.
“Dublin City Council bought out the legal interests of various parties in both Dalymount and Tolka Park in 2016 as part of its strategic plan to develop a municipal stadium at Dalymount Park to ensure the viability of League of Ireland Football on the northside of Dublin.
“Since acquiring both grounds, significant costs have been incurred by the City Council on an annual basis to ensure that both stadiums meet the required League of Ireland stadium certification.
“The City Council is willing to examine the proposal. However, it would be based on a cost recovery model for expenditure incurred by the City Council and a firm commitment from Shelbourne FC that Tolka Park can be re-developed in a reasonable period and that adequate finance is in place. We understand that the proposals will have no financial implications for either the City Council or the State.
“Dublin City Council would like to reaffirm its commitment to developing a municipal stadium at Dalymount Park. We are continuing to work with all stakeholders including both clubs, the Government and local community groups to develop a modern municipal stadium.”
Bohemians added: "Bohemian Football Club notes today's statement from Dublin City Council and welcomes the reaffirmation of their long-standing commitment to work closely with all stakeholders to develop a municipal stadium at Dalymount Park.
"We look forward to working with all stakeholders in developing a stadium that delivers for football and for our local community. It will have a truly positive transformative effect on Phibsborough, our home since 1901."
