Sky-high tours at Croke Park next spring as planners give walkway plan go-ahead
ROOFTOP tours across Croke Park are expected to be running by mid-spring after planners gave the scheme the green light.
An Bord Pleanala signed off on the project with a number of conditions, despite an appeal by local residents.
The stadium's director, Peter McKenna, said construction on the rooftop walkway would begin immediately.
Those taking the tour at the summit of the stadium -- the height of a 14-storey building -- will be tied via a harness to a railing for safety reasons, with a movable tether allowing them to walk along.
They will also be given earphones with a tour commentary and there will be signs pointing out some of the capital's key landmarks. Costs are likely to be between €10 and €15 per person.
Mr McKenna said: "I would see this as a popular attraction, not far off the kind of view of Paris that you get from the Eiffel Tower. This will be the ultimate view of Dublin from Croke Park."
There will be five viewing platforms, at the Cusack Stand facing east, Cusack Stand facing south-east, Davin Stand facing south, Hogan Stand facing south-west and Hogan Stand facing west, as well as a pitch-viewing cabin.
Telescopes have been proposed, but An Bord Pleanala directed they be permanently fixed at an angle to allow for long distance and panoramic views only, to protect the privacy of nearby residents.
The venture is expected to cost Croke Park up to €1m.
Irish Independent
