COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SPORT-RECREATION-COMMUNITY AND PARKS SPC
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
HEADED ITEM NO. 6
Tallaght Stadium Update
The County Council successfully opened Tallaght Stadium on the 13th March 2009 with Shamrock Rovers, anchor tenants of the new facility, hosting their opening home game of the 2009 League Championship which was televised live on RTE 2. The event proved to be a successful one. The celebration of the completion of this phase of Tallaght Stadium and the coverage of the event represented a milestone in the development of facilities in South Dublin County.
On April 23rd 2009, the first international match was staged in Tallaght Stadium when Ireland played Poland in an Under 17 international. The event went off very well, the F.A.I. was very happy with the venue and the event, and Ireland won the match.
There are arrangements for two cup finals to be played in Tallaght Stadium in May, and the F.A.I. are considering the venue for an Under 21 international match vs, Switzerland later in the year.
The next phase for the Stadium is the development of the second stand which will accommodate a further 3,000 seated spectators is now underway. It is expected to have this stand completed by the Autumn.
South Dublin County Council has designated a manager of the facility from existing staff resources who has been in place since early February 2009. The Council, in conjunction with FAS the National Training Agency, has also secured a number of trainee placements for the facility. The maintenance of the playing facility will be managed using the expertise of our Parks and Landscaping staff.
The Council is developing a working relationship with Shamrock Rovers as anchor tenants, and also with the F.A.I., which will allow for the optimum use of the Stadium by both Shamrock Rovers and the community, in what should prove to be a very positive venture for the broader community in Tallaght and environs, as well as for the football club.
The Council will officially open the new Stadium in the next few weeks, as soon as a suitable date can be agreed.
While Shamrock Rovers are the anchor tenants, Tallaght Stadium is a community facility and the Council will continue to engage with community groups to ensure its optimum use.
Preparations for the official opening of the facility is currently underway.