COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, January 28, 2019

QUESTION NO. 17

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

"To ask the Chief Executive to update members on plans for the development of Tallaght Stadium and in reporting will he also confirm when he expects the 3rd Stand at the Stadium to be completed and available for use and will he make a statement in the matter?"

REPLY:

"Building on the success of Tallaght Stadium to date in hosting Airtricity League Football, FAI internationals, Special Olympics Opening Ceremony, underage Gaa tournaments as well as American Football and Rugby, South Dublin County Council enagaged Cooney Architects to look at options for developing the North Stand, to complete the Stadium. Cooney Architects presented an Options Report, on the proposed development of the North Stand, along with proposed changes to the existing Main Stand, to the Corporate Policy Group and to the December Council Meeting. The Report looked at the future of the Stadium as continuing to host the sporting events, including Shamrock Rovers and FAI games, as well as becoming an event venue for the County. The venue to be promoted for use during the day, for Corporate, Business and Training events as well as a potentially unique wedding venue. The venue would be for the local community, the whole county and for visitors from outside the county to use and visit.

The Stadium currently has a capacity of 8,000, and the Options Report looked at increasing the capacity to 10,000, as well as looking at UEFA Category 4 facility requirements. The Report considered the enhanced flexibility of use in the venue, as well as looking at futureproofing the development. The Report looked at developing improved Press facilites and seating as well as additional Corporate capacity in a new second floor to be developed in the existing Main Stand, where much of the anticipated Corporate, Business and Wedding events would take place.

Following the positive reception of the Options Report at the Council meeting, it is anticpated that the Part 8 process for the development of the North Stand, along with the remodelled Main Stand, will be commenced in Q1 2019.

The recently completed South Stand, which brought the capacity of the Stadium to 8,000 spectators is ready for use by Shamrock Rovers for the start of their season in February, and for other sporting events that will be held in the Stadium, including the UEFA U/17 football tournament that will be held in May 2019.

An official ceremony will be organised to mark the completion and opening of the Stand by the Council."