Dublin City Council has voted to grant a 250-year lease for Tolka Park to Shelbourne Football Club.
The Save Tolka Park group confirmed the proposal agreed by the council's management and the club had been formally approved by councillors on Monday evening.
"The future of this Dublin institution is now officially secured to continue to serve the local community and future generations of young boys and girls playing football.
Saved Tolka Park. pic.twitter.com/5Hse54uzSF
— Save Tolka Park (@SaveTolkaPark) May 13, 2024
"This historic vote marks a significant milestone for Irish football, Dublin city, and grassroots activism in this country," a statement from Save Tolka Park said.
The group thanked those who supported the movement since it was launched in June 2021, paying particular thanks to the Shelbourne women's team "who defied their own club's public position at the time and joined us as a crucial ally".
"With Tolka Park now saved, we have together won a battle for equality for the women's game," the statement added.
Describing the result as a "victory for the people against unfathomable odds", the group called on the State to provide "long overdue" funding for Tolka Park and other League of Ireland venues, before concluding: "Saved Tolka Park."
Shelbourne FC also welcomed the council vote, which it said "marks a significant milestone in our club's history and secures the future of our home for generations to come".
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the executive and the councillors of Dublin City Council for their support and recognition of the importance of Tolka Park to Shelbourne FC, the local community and Irish football as a whole," the club's statement read.
Shelbourne also paid thanks to everyone who assisted in reaching this outcome, but offered "sincere thanks" to the Save Tolka Park campaign "for their immeasurable contribution".
"Shelbourne FC and Tolka Park’s fate have been intertwined for many decades and tonight’s decision heralds a new chapter in the 129-year history of our club and one of the city’s most treasured and hallowed sporting arenas," the club added.
