Wicklow County Council respond to Bray Wanderers statement

A general view of the Carlisle Grounds before the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Bray Wanderers and Derry City at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray, Co Wicklow. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Jack O'Toole

July 27 2017 04:25 PM

Wicklow County Council have responded to a press release from Bray Wanderers FC which stated that the club operated in a business district where Wicklow County had 'unfortunately attained the accolade of being the North Korea of Ireland for business'.

The bizarre press release, sent out by the club on behalf of interim chairman Gerry Mulvey, referenced Conor McGregor, a football revolution, and creating a centre of excellence that will rival the best football academies in the world, as well as the club's intention to buy a new ground and to rezone the land at Bray's current ground of the Carlisle grounds.

In a statement released on the club's website, Mulvey said that Bray 'will be seeking permission from Wicklow County Council to rezone the land in the Carlisle Grounds with the development proceeds used to then fund the construction of what will be the best academy and sporting grounds in the country.'

Mulvey continued: "To keep the club on a sound financial footing and independently fund this academy and club forevermore, we do have a plan on how to do that.

"This will be at no cost to the Exchequer or County Council. But when you operate in North Korea, these options are difficult to achieve, but we will achieve it."

Wicklow County Council responded to Bray's press release on Thursday afternoon and said that the club had not approached the council with regard to the redevelopment of the Carlisle Grounds, and also reminded the club that Wicklow is an excellent place to do business.

A statement released by Wicklow County Council read:

"Wicklow County Council is surprised by the statement issued on behalf of Bray Wanderers today (Thursday).

"As landlord of the Carlisle Grounds Wicklow County Council has not been approached or had any discussion with Bray Wanderers with regard to the redevelopment of the Carlisle Grounds.

"The Carlisle Grounds are zoned recreational and it is a function of the elected members of Wicklow County Council to amend zoning.

"A representative of the Football Club requested to attend the monthly meeting of Bray Municipal District and did so in January of this year. Their five-year Strategic Plan was presented to councilors at that meeting.

"There have been no further discussions on the future of the club with Wicklow County Council.

"Wicklow County Council would reject any suggestion that the county is anything other than an excellent place to do business and where enterprise is welcomed and encouraged."