It has been confirmed today that Dublin City University (DCU) will take over the running of Morton Stadium in Santry.
The university and Fingal County Council announced the news this morning.
The agreement will see DCU lease the stadium from Fingal County Council for the next forty years. DCU will now be responsible for the operations of the stadium and intend on developing the facilities with a new track expected to be installed later this summer as well upgrading the gym facilities.
In the long term the university aims to further develop the stand and create opportunities for further education and community collaboration.
Clonliffe Harriers will continue to be the host club and have supported the development. Support has also been secured from other key stakeholders such as Athletics Ireland, Sport Ireland, and Fingal County Council.
DCU Athletics Club who have a fantastic record at intervarsity level will aim to use Morton Stadium to attract and retain student athletes across all events.
The stadium is less than three kilometres from the DCU’s Glasnevin Campus and is also not far from the St. Pat’s and All Hallows campuses.
President of DCU, Professor Daire Keogh described the agreement as an “exciting opportunity”.
“This partnership is an example of DCU’s commitment to people and place. It is an exciting opportunity to enhance the National Athletics Stadium for the benefit of athletes across Ireland, in north Dublin, and at DCU. Morton Stadium is an iconic venue, and we look forward to engaging with the athletics community to ensure that we develop a top-class facility that meets the highest standards,” Keogh said.
Director of Sports and Wellbeing at the university James Galvin also welcomed the news.
“Morton Stadium has played a significant role in the sporting, cultural and economic life in the North Dublin region and beyond since 1958 and DCU looks forward to playing an active role, with key project partners and community groups in maintaining and enhancing this.”
Last year local councillors on Fingal County Council met to vote on the proposal which they were overwhelmingly positive about.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Darragh Butler described the prospect of the agreement at the time as being a “fantastic opportunity.”
“Combining sports with universities is a successful model and hopefully we will see more Olympians and Paralympians come through this venue in years to come,” he said.
All stakeholders involved will be hoping that the takeover is a success which will benefit Irish athletics for years to come.
