Schools set to be built on site of Haorld’s Cross Stadium site

A number of schools are expected to be built of the site of the Harold’s Cross Stadium after the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) agreed a deal with the Department of Education.

The board confirmed the closure of the stadium in February as it struggled to deal with a debt of €20.3million – most of which stemmed from the €21m spent in 2011 on Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

According to a statement from the Department of Education, “with regard to the future use of the site, it is intended to use the site for educational purposes, which will require a change to the current zoning.”

The statement went on to say: “The Department of Education and Skills is currently engaged in a review of demographics which will determine the extent of new school provision required nationwide.

“Our initial review of demographic growth in relevant school planning areas adjacent to this site indicate significant increases at both primary and post-primary levels which will require provision for additional school places.  

“The exact configuration of schools to be provided on the Harold’s Cross site will be informed by the outcome of this demographic review.”

Speaking about the deal yesterday, Minister for Education Richard Bruton said the offer to acquire the former Greyhound Stadium in Harold’s Cross was made with a view to “facilitating the development of additional school infrastructure in the South Dublin City area”.