THE government is ready to pump €50 million into a new stadium building project which will revitalise some of the country’s oldest grounds.

Among the targeted stadia are Bohemian FC’s Dalymount Park, Meath GAA’s Pairc Tailteann and Leinster Rugby’s RDS.

6 Dalymount Stadium in Phibsboro, home of Bohemian FC Credit: Sportsfile

6 Plans for the new Dalymount Park which would include two new stands

It’s understood the €50 million Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, established last October, has been bolstered by Ireland’s failure to land the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which freed more cash.

The Department of Transport is unable to officially ring fence any financing for projects without planning permission, which is preventing Minister Shane Ross from announcing where the money is going.

But several well-placed sources have told the Irish Sun that the money has been ring-fenced and is waiting to be spent.

One told us: “The difference it makes to these projects in particular will be enormous.”

6 Leinster Rugby's RDS arena Credit: Sportsfile

Of the three main projects, only the RDS, which has already been granted planning permission for a €26 million revamp by Dublin City Council, has received planning permission to date.

The Anglesea Stand’s transformation into a three-level, 21.3 metre tall structure when combined with other improvements will increase capacity from 18,500 to 21,000.

However the RDS, which is ready to begin work on the redevelopment, is still awaiting a decision on government funding.

A spokesman said: “The RDS is continuing to speak to Government about part-financing the redevelopment and enabling work to commence.”

6 An artist's impression for plans for the RDS

DCC, which owns Dalymount, has only applied for funding to assist with the drawing up of plans and recently received a €65,000 grant under the Sports Capital Programme.

Although DCC has yet to submit a formal planning application for the all-seater arena – which could cost between €20million and €30 million - it is understood that funding has been set aside until such time as permission is granted.

The redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann in Navan into a 22,000 all-seater arena is estimated to cost €9 million, with Croke Park and the Leinster Council set to contribute €4million.

A planning application was submitted just before Christmas and a decision isn’t due for another few months.

6 The redevelopment of the ground into a 22,000 all-seater arena is estimated to cost €9 million

6 The redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann in Navan into a 22,000 all-seater arena

Meath chiefs were originally limited to a spend of €10 million on the stadium but there have been reports that has since been reduced to €7 million.

Many clubs in the county, themselves struggling to raise funds, have been annoyed by requests from the county board to help finance the redevelopment.

So a government injection would help advance plans, with the first phase of the revamp expected to be the construction of a new stand at the Navan town end of the ground where there is currently a grass bank.

A Transport Departments spokesman said: “Following the conclusion of Budget 2018 discussions, the Department is committed to establishing a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” in 2018.

“The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount available under the Sports Capital Programme (where the maximum grant is currently €200,000.)

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“While the scheme is still to be finalised, all projects will be subject to the Public Spending Code (including appropriate Cost Benefit Analysis) and State Aid Requirements prior to any funding commitments.”

The Sports Capital Division of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has in the past provided State funding for Croke Park, the Aviva Stadium, Thomond Park and most recently Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.

It is currently administering the funding of Kerry GAA’s centre of excellence in Currans.