Groundtastic GT23 | Page 60

Irish News West Stand Emerald Isle Peter Miles and Mark Bishop bring us news from Ireland Eircom Park The FAI have finally abandoned any prospect of sharing the Irish Government’s own proposed National Stadium and have thrown their full support behind the Eircom park project. Meanwhile, a request has been made to Bord Pleanala, the Irish planning authority, by a local residents association for an oral hearing into South Dublin County Councils decision to grant outline planning permission for the planned 45,000seater stadium. The Department of Defence, who are located nearby the site at Casement Aerodrome, has also submitted a lengthy and detailed appeal on the air safety issue. The hearings are scheduled shortly. Eircom Park Shamrock Rovers – New Glenmalure Park The initial prediction of November 2000 for The Hoops occupancy of their new ground have proved wildly optimistic with the Tallaght project now not being ready until next season. In October contracts were signed for the construction of phase one for the proposed stadium on Sean Walsh Memorial Park in southwest Dublin. The cost of the first phase, which will bring with it a pitch, some fairly modest facilities and ample car parking, is now put at £4.2 million. Of that total the government have pledged Pictured right and on the next page are illustrations of the new stadium showing Phases 1 and 2 Groundtastic page 60 Issue 23