The Football Association of Ireland CEO, John Delaney, has once again mentioned that the development of Finn Harps’ new stadium remains ‘central’ to the Association’s plans.
Last month, Harps supporters received a fresh boost with confirmation that work on the main stand is to recommence and the stadium – to be known as ‘The Donegal Stadium’ – will be ready for action in 2021.
Harps’ plans to relocate across the River Finn to Stranorlar have been in the pipeline since 2004.
Work has stalled on the development since late 2014. Four years ago, the skeleton of a stand was erected and can be seen from the Railway Road, but work halted and has yet to resume.
Earlier this year, a new grant of €304,000 was confirmed for the project from the Sports Capital Fund.
Yesterday, at a press conference in Dublin to announce Mick McCarthy as the new Republic of Ireland senior team manager, Delaney was asked about calls for him to attend the Oireachtas Sports Committee to discuss investment in soccer.
“I’ve been in front of many Dáil committees before explaining what Irish football does,” said Delaney.
“I think the association does its job really well. I’d like to be in there talking about more funding for Irish football. We have about €60m worth of major projects we are working on in the League of Ireland.”
Delaney listed those projects, including the Harps stadium, adding: “There is €35m for Dalymount Park, €11m for Glanmire, Drogheda’s new stadium of about €5m, Finn Harps new stadium for about €4 to €5m and €4 to €5 million for the fourth stand at Shamrock Rovers.
“These are big projects to improve the League of Ireland and the association is central to all of those strategies.
“I have no problem meeting anybody who wants to develop Irish football and make sure Irish football gets to the next stage. I’m not that interested in meeting people who are looking for what I would call a bit of self publicity come in and talk to the association to bring the game forward.”
Tags: