Plans revealed for Ireland's first-ever winter sports and entertainment arena
The proposed €190m project is set to be located on an
eight-acre site in Cherrywood, south
Dublin
. Prime Arena Holdings, the company behind the project, is expected to submit planning documents by September of this year. The development is being backed by
Dún Laoghaire
-Rathdown County Council and
aims to become a permanent home for Dublin's first professional
ice hockey
franchise.
"Since 2021, we've been working quietly but relentlessly with an incredible team to bring this vision to life - and today, we're proud to finally share it with the Irish public," said Dermot Rigley, CEO of Prime Arena Holdings.
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He continued: "With the support of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Hines, we're building more than an arena - we're creating a national landmark that will open up winter sports to every corner of Irish society, empower our athletes, and give Ireland the platform it deserves to host world-class events.'
The arena is designed for more than sport. Its projected capacity is 50-70 events annually, including concerts, international exhibitions, and corporate events.
Prime Arena Holdings is expected to submit planning documents this September
(Image: Rendering)
Jim O'Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, described the proposed arena as "transformational".
"It will contribute significantly to our corporate goals in realizing our sports, tourism and cultural ambitions and in supporting further economic growth and opportunities in our county for all who live, work and visit Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the wider region," he said.
According to Prime Arena Holdings, nearly 400 direct jobs will be created during construction. Over 1,600 jobs will be supported annually, with 80 full-time positions related to ice-based activities.
Another traditional American sport will arrive in Dublin this year, as
the NFL confirmed it will hold a game there in the 2025 season.
The
Pittsburgh
Steelers will compete at the legendary Croke Park, which is traditionally reserved for Gaelic sports.
On social media, people are already showing excitement that
Dublin
may soon join
the Elite Ice Hockey League.
Others are excited about the prospect of a new concert arena in the city.
'A good 5k hockey arena is an absolute game changer for Dublin events,' one user wrote. 'Hits a market in between the likes of the Olympia Theatre and the 3Arena. The venue will pay for itself.'
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