A GAA club in south Co Dublin has brought a High Court challenge to a decision that the new Shamrock Rovers stadium in Tallaght should be a soccer-only venue.
Thomas Davis GAA club in Tallaght is challenging the decision of South Dublin County Council in February last to agree the completion of the 6,000-seat stadium at Whitestown Way, Tallaght, in accordance with the original proposal for a soccer-only venue. The case is likely to go ahead in the High Court in the new year.
Thomas Davis Club chairman Dominic Finnegan said the manager of the county council had recommended initially that the proposed development be a soccer-only stadium. However, a resolution of the Tallaght Area Committee in November 2005 modified the proposal so the stadium would be for multi-sporting purposes.
Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue objected to the resolution, Mr Finnegan said. Mr Finnegan said it appeared the council became anxious about its ability to proceed.
In an affidavit opposing the proceedings, South Dublin County Council deputy manager Thomas Doherty said the council was motivated by the need to provide soccer facilities for young people.