‘Plans for stadium’s new stand should be a priority’

By Echo Reporter

South Dublin County Council has been called on prioritise progress in respect of proposals to build a new Stand at Tallaght Stadium, and allow Tallaght Stadium to reach its true potential.

Local councillor Charlie O’Connor raised the matter at the May meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee which then unanimously passed his motion welcoming the Council’s commitment to build the new Stand.

In the response to the motion, the Council Management told Cllr O’Connor that “a Design Team for the third Stand at Tallaght Stadium is currently being assembled and will commence work during June 2016. The architect’s department has also advised that the Design Team will be conducting a feasibility study considering the Stand to the North or the South and make their recommendations accordingly.”

Council Management also told Cllr O’Connor that “full consultation under Part 8 of the Planning Act will commence before the end of the year and construction will commence in 2017 with a target completion date of the second quarter of 2018.” 

The report also added that budget estimates will be prepared during the early stage of project design by the Design Team.

According to Cllr O’Connor this remains an extremely important development which has widespread support and he stated that it was vital that the proposal continued to receive priority support from Council Management.

He added that the recent Champions League game involving Dundalk highlighted the need for an ambitious plan to build a proper new Stand and to allow Tallaght Stadium to reach its true potential.

In that regard, he welcomed the Council’s confirmation that feasibility studies and costings are being examined with a view to attracting additional sporting and entertainment events to maximise the value of the Stadium to the people of Tallaght and South County.