Dublin GAA are closing in on the purchase of a new site which could see the development of a 25,000 capacity stadium.
The Irish Examiner, the Irish Daily Star and the Irish Daily Mail all report today regarding the Spawell Complex in south Dublin.
Dublin GAA were originally in the bidding for the site in Templeogue - which is just off the M50 near the Ballyboden St. Enda's, St. Jude's and Faughs GAA clubs - when it was sold in summer 2015. However, their bid to land the property failed.
At the time, Dublin GAA CEO John Costello was critical of NAMA, who controlled the site at the time of the sale.
However, negotiations between the purchasers and Dublin GAA regarding the site opened last year. John Fogarty, in the Examiner, reports that the new deal could be done by the end of the month.
The 35 acre site was originally sold for somewhere between €7.5 million and €9.5million. According to Philip Lanigan in the Mail, the deal could be worth around €9 million.
Six years ago, the Dublin county board lauched its strategic plan for 2011 - 2017. It featured mention of a plan for a 25,000 capacity stadium, one which could accomodate mid-sized crowds, too big for Parnell Park and an attendance would be lost in Croke Park.
18 months ago, speaking to the Irish Independent regarding the sale of the site, John Costello said that Dublin GAA had plans for the construction of five grass and synthetic playing pitches along with other complementary facilities.
On RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Des Cahill said that he had contacted Dublin GAA regarding the reports but that they had been reluctant to comment due to on-going negotiations.
