Shels granted 250-year lease for Tolka Park

As part of the agreement with Dublin City Council, the club will invest in "community based full time roles".

A general view during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Shelbourne FC has secured a 250-year lease on their Tolka Park home. The lease was granted following a vote by Dublin City Council. 

"This decision marks a significant milestone in our club’s history and secures the future of our home for generations to come," the Premier Division leaders said in a statement. 

The club thanked the DCC for recognising the "importance of Tolka Park to Shelbourne FC, the local community and Irish football as a whole" and also "those involved in the Save Tolka Park campaign for their immeasurable contribution".

Tolka Park ❤️

The heart and soul of Shelbourne FC#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/HIyO12N9Cc

— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) May 13, 2024

"This long-term lease provides us with the stability and foundation needed to continue to build Shelbourne FC on and off the pitch," the statement continued.

"Our commitment as part of the agreement to investment in community based full time roles underscore the club’s ambition to further grassroots football development and community engagement in the Drumcondra area and beyond.

"Tolka Park holds a special place in the hearts of our supporters, players, and staff, and we are excited about the opportunities this long term agreement brings for further investment and enhancement of the facilities, details of which will be communicated in due course. Tolka Park is one of Dublin’s most storied sporting venues, all at Shelbourne FC are proud to be entrusted as custodians and to build upon the rich history and heritage of the ground, which this year celebrates its centenary, as we strive for success both on and off the pitch.

"We look forward to working closely with Dublin City Council and our community partners to ensure that Tolka Park will be a vibrant hub for football and a source of pride for the entire community for future generations of Dubliners."