Ireland's Sports Minister Martin Cullen has officially opened the new purpose built, state-of-the-art Tallaght Stadium.

The stadium, now home to Shamrock Rovers FC, was described as a "magnificent and modern sports facility" by the Minister.

He said it is a beacon the community of Tallaght can "take great pride in".

"The fact that Shamrock Rovers are the anchor tenants makes this stadium all the more exciting. This stadium is for the community and likewise Rovers themselves are a community club," he said.

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Minister Cullen continued: "The government has long recognised the value of sport and almost €10m in funding has been allocated to this stadium project."

The Tallaght Stadium currently has a capacity of 3,300 people. Construction is underway to provide a second stand.

Mr Cullen said: "I am confident that with the excellent support that Rovers have attracted so far in Tallaght and the surrounding areas, that this stadium will have the ability to host a capacity of almost 7,000 spectators when the second stand is completed.

"Seeing Rovers play their home matches here will inspire more people to pull on a pair of football boots or runners and get active on the pitches and parks of South Dublin," he added.

(PR/JM)