Shelbourne looking for 250-year Tolka Park leasehold green light from DCC
"Not long ago the future of our stadium hung in the balance. However a change in the composition of our board members coupled with a new long term vision for the club reignited our commitment to Tolka Park as our home ground"
Shelbourne FC want Dublin city councillors to grant a 250-year leasehold to the club for Tolka Park.
The move has already been approved by DCC's North Central Area Committee but has to go before the full council on Monday.
The Premier Division pace-setters were originally earmarked to join north city rivals Bohemians at a revamped Dalymount Park but a concerted club campaign saw the Reds push to remain at Tolka.
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The Drumcondra ground is owned by DCC but Shels have brokered a deal to take over the leasehold by paying €1m in three instalments - two are scheduled for this year and the last in December 2026.
The agreement will also see Shels embark on ground improvements and employ two football community officers.
A club statement read: "Shelbourne FC are today calling on all councillors to vote YES on the proposal advocating for the preservation and revitalisation of Tolka Park as a vital sports and cultural hub for our local community.
"The club extends a huge thank you to everyone involved in reaching this crucial juncture, especially the dedicated volunteers across the club and all those involved in the Save Tolka Park campaign.
"Not long ago the future of our stadium hung in the balance. However a change in the composition of our board members coupled with a new long term vision for the club reignited our commitment to Tolka Park as our home ground.
"Over the last number of years, the board has undertaken an enormous commitment to bring these negotiations to a conclusion.
"Due to the extremely sensitive nature and the legalities involved, public communication was not always possible.
"The board would like to put on record its thanks to our supporters, partners, and volunteers, for their patience in this regard.
"We take pride in the recent upgrades to Tolka Park, including increased capacity of the Riverside Stand and Ballybough Stand, and the upgrade to our PA system and toilet facilities.
"Our dedication to investing in Tolka Park reflects our commitment to creating a home for champions – for both our men’s and women’s teams and a range of community initiatives, and the preservation of Tolka Park, a special place that means so much to so many.
"By granting Shelbourne FC a long-term leasehold for Tolka Park, councillors will not only support our club, but also enrich the wider sporting and social fabric of Drumcondra and North Dublin as a whole.
"The board of Shelbourne FC have been working extensively on refurbishment plans and the associated investment required to elevate Tolka Park to a modern facility, details of which will be announced in due course.
"We’d encourage all Shelbourne FC fans and members of the local community to let their local representative know their views on this matter and your preference to grant Shelbourne FC a 250-year leasehold for Tolka Park.
"You can contact them by using the tool below, courtesy of the Save Tolka Park campaign: https://action.uplift.ie/campaigns/email-your-councillors-to-save-tolka-park-deal
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