FAI chief executive John Delaney has said that revenue generated from Dublin's partial hosting of Euro 2020 could be used to regenerate a fading icon of Irish football. Dalymount Park has been a shadow of its former self for quite a few years now but it looks like that could soon be at an end after Delaney confirmed that home of Bohemians could be in line for regeneration as a by-product of Friday's successful bid.
Speaking in Switzerland after the awarding of the tournament to 13 cities across Europe, Delaney said that he was hoping to use the funds given to the host countries to create a legacy from which Dalymount could be a primary beneficiary.
We'll be looking for some form of legacy out of it. I would have an eye on Dalymount Park and I would hope we could achieve something there. I would love if we could get it out of debt and be redeveloped for 2020. I've already spoken to government and city council about that.
The stadium is owned by Bohemians and one of the main impediments to any work would be the significant amount of debt that the club have accumulated in recent years. However, if that can be alleviated to some degree, Delaney has big plans which could include a ground share with Shelbourne.
First of all we’ve got to deal collectively with the debt that Bohemians have with their particular bank and I’d be hoping something could be resolved in terms of a commitment from all parties. I’d like to see Dalymount house two League of Ireland clubs. Bohemians and possibly Shelbourne as well.
It’s been a dream of mine for many, many years and I think out of any hosting of a major tournament, there should be a legacy. Dalymount Park, the soul of Irish football, being redeveloped and kept in football is something that personally I’m hugely committed to.
Cover image credit: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
