St Patrick's Athletic unveil ambitious proposal for 12,000-seater stadium in Inchicore

St Patrick's Athletic have unveiled an ambitious proposal for the development of a new 12,000-seaster stadium and retail complex on the site of St Michael's estate in Inchicore.

The club, in conjunction with property firms HRS International and FESP International, have proposed a development that also includes residential homes and a shopping centre.

St Michael's estate is situated beside Richmond Barracks and a short walk from the club's current home, Richmond Park, on the main Emmett Road.

Richmond Park has been the club's home ground since the 1960s and is ideally located on the edge of Inchicore town centre, but has limited room for expansion.

The proposed 12,000-seater stadium – to be named the Richmond Arena – would be built to UEFA Category 3 standards, the requirement for staging Champions League group stage games.

A build of that size would also make the Richmond Arena the largest purpose-built football stadium in the country if completed.

The land for the proposed development is owned by Dublin City Council, whose City Development Plan “envisages the development of a high-quality, vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter” that will “help to regenerate Inchicore.”

Any development would “accommodate whatever housing density and mix is required by Dublin City Council while also providing the area with major retailers and leisure facilities, in addition to civic and community facilities.

“The type of facilities to be provided will be agreed with the City Council but could include a library, indoor sports hall, civic theatre, etc.”



St Patrick's Athletic owner Garrett Kelleher – who has significant experience in developing property in Ireland and abroad - is the driver behind the plan.

The club insists the development “will be financially independent and not reliant on receiving any government grants.

St Patrick's Athletic estimate the development would take approximately two years to complete from the point of planning permission being granted.

"We believe our proposal is a game-changer for Inchicore and, of course, for our club,” said St Patrick's Athletic president Tom O'Mahony.

“It would give our supporters an ultra-modern stadium which would also be suitable for a wide range of community events.

“It would transform Inchicore and would realise the City Council's vision of a vibrant, high-quality urban quarter.



“We will now engage with the City Council to discuss our plans and we hope to have an opportunity to play a leading role in the regeneration of our neighbourhood.”

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