Ireland is set to welcome its first dedicated winter sports arena, an ambitious €190 million project situated in Cherrywood, South Dublin. This groundbreaking venue, supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, will boast two Olympic-sized ice rinks and be the new home for Dublin’s professional ice hockey team. With the promise of creating over 1,600 jobs annually, it is poised to bolster the local economy considerably. Discover how this arena is shaping Ireland’s sports landscape and tourism potential.
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine Ireland’s sporting landscape, plans for the country’s first dedicated winter sports arena have been revealed, promising a multifaceted venue that will cater to both athletic and entertainment needs. Designed to be a national landmark, the arena will be constructed on an eight-acre site in Cherrywood, South Dublin, with a proposed development budget of €190 million. This ambitious project, supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, aims not only to introduce winter sports to a broader Irish audience but also to stimulate economic growth in the region.
Central to the arena’s vision is the empowerment of athletes and the enhancement of Ireland’s event-hosting capabilities. It will house two full-sized Olympic ice rinks and serve as the permanent home for Dublin’s first professional ice hockey franchise. With a capacity to accommodate 5,000 seated or 8,000 standing spectators, the indoor arena is poised to become a premier venue for both sporting events and cultural exhibitions, hosting an estimated 50 to 70 events annually.
Additionally, a high-performance training center will provide elite athletes with state-of-the-art facilities to hone their skills.
The economic implications of this development are substantial. During the construction phase, nearly 400 direct jobs will be created, while post-construction operations are expected to support over 1,600 jobs annually. The arena will also generate 80 full-time positions related to ice-based activities, thereby contributing considerably to the local economy. The influx of visitors for sporting events, concerts, and corporate gatherings is anticipated to bolster tourism and enhance the region’s appeal as a vibrant destination for international events.
Nearly 400 jobs during construction and 1,600 post-opening will boost the local economy significantly.
Stakeholders, including Dermot Rigley, CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, and Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, underscore the arena’s transformative potential. Their collaborative efforts with development partner Hines emphasize a commitment to community engagement and delivering tangible benefits to local residents.
As planning documents are set for submission by September, the project stands as an indication of Ireland’s dedication to fostering a dynamic sports culture and achieving sustained economic prosperity.
