‘Put em under pressure’ to get stadium completed

WORKS are due to be completed at Tallaght Stadium by September, but it has left one Shamrock Rovers fan with a bit of anxiety should his beloved Hoops win the league.

Rovers currently lead the Premier Division with just over 10 games to go, and wrap up their campaign on November 3 against Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) says South Dublin County Council need to “put the pressure on” following delays in works at the council owned stadium.

At the monthly council meeting on Monday, O’Connor said: “I go to matches in the stadium and a few people have got to know me, not many, but a few, and they have been stopping me lately and asking ‘what is going on – why is there a delay?’

“They see the work on the stand and it seems fine, but behind that the other developments aren’t taking place as quick. There is no shop and members are particularly concerned about the works in the West Stand.”

O’Connor said Rovers campaign finishes on November 3 which “may be a celebration – not taking anything for granted”.

“The CEO needs to understand the importance of those dates being reached,” said Cllr O’Connor

Acting CEO of South Dublin County Council Colm Ward said the works at Tallaght Stadium are “all generally completed” and unfortunately a supply issue was “unavoidable”.

However, Mr Ward is confident works will be completed “well in advance” of the finale of the season.

The investment in Tallaght Stadium is approximately €11.5m and includes the addition of a new fourth stand at the bypass end which will increase capacity to a 10,000-seater.

Works comprise of the new North Stand for spectators, upgraded corporate, media and hospitality areas, changing facilities for attendees at stadium events, and improved viewing access for spectators with limited mobility.