By David Gold
March 7 – A village which Irish football fans hoped to set up during the European Championships this summer in Poznań will not be going ahead as planned.
Ambitious plans had been announced by DB Sport Tours for the picturesque Lake Malta site (pictured) to be made the location for accommodation and a wide range of entertainment for supporters hoping to enjoy during their trip to Poland and Ukraine this summer.
Cafés, bars, shops and a mini golf course, along with WiFi capability and even thermal baths were planned for the fan village, as were a number of other facilities.
The Republic of Ireland kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Croatia in Group C at the Municipal Stadium in Poznań on June 10.
They would then face Spain in Gdansk and Italy in Poznań again during the group stages, before travelling to the Ukraine for the quarterfinals if they reach that stage.
On the website of the Irish Fan Village, a statement was issued which read: “We regret that we must inform you that despite our best efforts the Irish Fan Village (IFV) will not now be going ahead as planned.
“Over the last four months we had worked tirelessly to make the IFV a reality but unfortunately a series of last minute technical and administrative difficulties in Poland has made it impossible for the project to go ahead.
“We at all times have sought to put you, the fans, first and believe that it would be wrong to take bookings and money when we could not ensure that the IFV would be the success that you deserve.
“We unreservedly apologise for any and all inconvenience which you may have been caused, but again stress that we have had no option but to take this decision in the interest of you the fans.”
The Irish Independent estimate that 5,000 fans had signed up to receive update’s on the progress of the village, with 2,500 pre-registering to stay at the site.
Those signing up to the village’s official Facebook page expressed their anger, but they may have reason for renewed optimism, after a representative of the City of Poznań, Bartosz Kubiak, told insideworldfootball that all those supporters planning to travel would have alternative options available.
As well as the nearby Carlsberg camp site, Kubiak said: “We are trying to do everything to try and find campsites close to the city of Poznań.
“I think every Irish fan will find some place to stay on a campsite, hostels or hotels…in the standard that they would like and at the price they would like.”
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