The cost of redeveloping Bohemian FC 's stadium has become "potentially unviable" due to skyrocketing costs.
Dalymount Park in Phibsboro was due to be transformed into a 6,000 capacity UEFA Category 3 stadium. The new grounds would be the home of both Bohs and Shelbourne FC.
A 2018 analysis of the project estimated it would cost €36 million to carry out and Dublin City Council received €918,750 in funding from the Government towards the project. However, a cost project completed in December last year from the design team appointed to the development found it would cost over €52 million.
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A revised cost analysis estimated it to cost €46 million after a "value engineering exercise" was carried out. This figure is subject to inflation and other factors that could lead to increased costs.
The increased cost of the new stadium means it is "now potentially unviable for any benefit it will return over its life cycle", a DCC spokesperson said. They added that "other options" were being looked at which include a "scaled back version of the current design" and leaving the pitch where it is and making improvements to the stands.
The spokesperson added that "another complication" arose when Shelbourne FC publicly stated they did not wish to move to the redeveloped Dalymount Park. "A revised business case for Dalymount based on a one-club model is now required to be factored into the project business plan going forward," they said.
The design team will now assess the following options:
- Leaving the pitch in the same position
- Refurbishing the Jodi Stand
- New Main stand on the north side of the site with community facilities with a potential capacity of @4,000-5,000
- New covered terrace at the West end of the site with a potential capacity of circa @2,000
- Small Terrace at East end of site with a potential capacity of circa @250/300.
The design team is expected to report back to DCC on September 4. It is estimated the construction phase of the project will be completed on January 15, 2026.
It was expected to be delivered in time for Euro 2020.
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