Dalymount Park revamp cost triples as DCC backs bid for extra €34m
The cost of redeveloping Dalymount Park has more than tripled in the past decade, with a further €34 million loan needed for its completion.
Dublin City Council unanimously approved plans to seek this extra funding, which is expected to delay the construction of the stadium by as much as two years. With plans to modernise the home of Bohemians F.C., the Council first purchased the crumbling stadium in 2015 for €3.8m.
Initial plans in 2016 sought to redevelop the site at a cost of €20m which, by 2022, had risen to €40m for a new 8,000 capacity stadium. However, Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare stated at Monday’s monthly council meeting that he’s confident the project can now be delivered under the current budget of €63.75m.
The decision to move forward with this funding proposal was welcomed by Bohemian F.C. on social media who described it as “the final step in a process” that began 10 years ago. “This funding, combined with the LSSIF funding provided in 2024, will allow for the historic stadium to be fully redeveloped and serve the people of Dublin and beyond long into the future,” Bohemian F.C. stated on X.
The new 8,034 capacity stadium will have provision for 6,240 seats and 1,794 standing and include extra facilities such as a new sand-based grass pitch, a basement area to facilitate changing rooms and facilities, as well as club offices and a merchandise shop.
Councillors’ discussion points included the potential to increase capacity to accommodate European football fixtures, full transparency around the revenue used to repay the loan, and the possible financial impact should Bohs be relegated. Councillors also expressed a desire for the council to remain represented on any governing bodies as the project progresses.
This phased project sees construction work begin in 2027 with an aim to complete in the latter half of 2028. This latest €34.03m loan has a term of 30 years, with repayment costs of €1.8m per year.
Repayment will be funded through annual rental income, matchday revenue and non-matchday revenue. The potential of other income streams and commercial opportunities are also being considered. Other revenue streams discussed by the Council included using the new stadium as a concert space for music and other events.
The breakdown of spending for the €34.03m is estimated at €16.29 in 2027, €11.78 in 2028, and €5.96 in 2029, with repayment costs of €1.8m per year over a 30 year period. The redevelopment is also intrinsically tied to wider plans for the regeneration of Phibsborough Village.
If the project is delivered with the proposed timeline that means that Bohs fans should expect the stadium to be open in time for the new League of Ireland season in February 2029.
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