“The League of Ireland is in desperate need of radical change relating to the facilities for players and supporters and this is certainly the case for Drogheda United” Drogheda United Chairperson Joanna Byrne said as she welcomed the publication of the FAI’s Facilities Development Strategy.
“It is hugely encouraging that the new regime in the FAI is grasping this nettle and setting out a vision to which we can all commit” Ms Byrne continued.
“As Drogheda is the fastest growing town in Ireland and soon to become a city, we believe we can also play a central role to help develop football in the wider Drogheda region”.
The most recent census figures confirm that Drogheda is the largest and fastest growing urban area in the state, with an increase in population throughout the town and the wider town hinterlands of East Meath, it is already being hailed as Ireland’s newest city.
“The publication of this Facility Development Strategy shows the FAI recognise the need for long term investment and development of Irish Football” Byrne continued. This comes at a time where every League of Ireland Club is seeing huge increases in attendances at matches and the timing is perfect to capitalise on that momentum” Byrne continued.
“Facilities nationwide are mostly falling short of where we should be and yet support is ever growing. Facilities that enable clubs to grow and evolve, whilst enabling the needs of communities are crucial, particularly as populations increase – as is the case in Drogheda.
“Nationally, we need to see Government work with the FAI, local authorities and sporting bodies, planning effectively and ambitiously for Irish Sport and we at Drogheda United look forward to playing our part locally in delivering the visions as set out in this Strategy for the benefit of all the football fans in City of Drogheda.
Byrne pointed out that recently Louth County Council have been particularly supportive of Drogheda United’s future plans and needs in terms of facilities.
“That in tandem with the strategy launched by the FAI paves a clear pathway to move forward. This marks the start of the future of football in Ireland, with modern day facilities being laid as the foundations.
“As the old saying goes; if you build it – they will come, the realisation of this vision now will be key and all eyes will be on Government to do good decades of no investment in Irish Football.”
Find out more about the FAI’s new strategy here: https://facilitiesstrategy.fai.ie/
