The long awaited velodrome in Dublin has been given priority, as the next major facility to be built, under the new masterplan for the Sport Ireland Campus in west Dublin. The shared Cycling Ireland and Badminton Ireland facility was specifically referenced as the next major project for the campus when the masterplan was unveiled today.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar led a high level political delegation at the launch of the new masterplan, covering the next 15 to 20 years. The Sport Ireland campus, where the velodrome will be located, will expand and develop significantly over the timeframe of the masterplan.
At present, a planning application for the new National Velodrome and Badminton Centre is with Fingal County Council, which recently sought more information on, and refinements to, the planning application. However, Sport Ireland said those requests were not unusual for such a major project, telling stickybottle the request for additional information would not lead to any delays.
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While the velodrome project has been promised for years, and appeared close to fruition at different times over the last decade, there is much greater impetus behind it now and there are real hopes construction will finally begin next year. The fact the facility was specifically referenced at today's launch as the next big priority will only add to the sense that the velodrome is about to become a reality.
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"The next steps are the velodrome and athlete accommodation, among other projects," said Varadkar at the launch today, referring to the velodrome and accommodation for athletes across all sports that will include 120 short-stay and 60 long-stay beds.
"This new masterplan will enable Sport Ireland to further maximise the potential of the campus for community use with its vision to ensure the campus is a space for all ages and all abilities. This campus can serve as a wonderful community resource as well as a centre for national sporting excellence.”
Una May, Sport Ireland chief executive, said: "The Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan Vision sets out ambitious goals for the coming years and it will be exciting to see them being reached, improving what is already a world leading location for sport."
The masterplan says of the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre: "The immediate development focus will include the construction of the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre, the refurbishment of Abbotstown House and the development and construction of athlete accommodation and NGB offices within the village. It is proposed to commence construction of the new Velodrome and Badminton Centre as part of a proposed ‘cycle hub’ at the north of the site in 2023."
