Dublin GAA have been dealt a blow after failing to secure a much coveted development site in Templeogue. The Spawell Complex, which is owned by NAMA, was put on the market for €6.5 million a number of months ago. The 35 acre site had been identified by the Dublin County Board as the ideal location for a complex which would have included a number of pitches and 'complementary facilities'.
However, it has today been revealed in the Irish Independent that the bid has for the site has not been successful. It is thought that Dublin's bid was above the €6.5 million market value but that was still not sufficient to acquire the site.
Given the ideal nature of the site and the scarcity of similar locations in South Dublin, NAMA's decision has not been well received. Dublin GAA CEO John Costello has hit out at NAMA, with the majority of his ire stemming from the belief that the organisation would take into account their 'community development' remit when analysing the respective bids.
It is disillusioning and regrettable that NAMA, despite the inclusion in their terms of reference of 'Community Development' have failed once again to acknowledge the role of voluntary organisations in their disposal strategy in the generation of social capital.
With an expected 25,000 seater stadium also in the thoughts of Dublin GAA, the loss of the Templeogue site is certainly a blow to Dublin's hopes, something which can certainly be seen with Costello's reaction to the news.
