Tendering of the new Dublin velodrome and badminton centre is nearing conclusion with all bids having been lodged the process for any new bidders having been closed for weeks.
While the Government has also now said the final green light, for construction, is still subject to funds being available later this year, it believes work will commence before the end of the year.
Many cyclists and cycling fans in Ireland have become exasperated in recent years as the new facility has been promised for so long without ground being broken. However, the fact the tendering process – in terms of bids being received – has now run its course and is closed is a significant juncture.
Sport Ireland has confirmed to stickybottle the tender documents are no longer publicly available as the tendering process is effectively over. That stage of any major construction project is followed by the evaluation of the bids and the successful bid being selected to carry out construction.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Patrick O’Donovan has told the Dáil he expects construction to start later this year, with the project set to be completed by mid 2027.
“The development of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre is the next largescale development to be progressed under the (Sport Ireland) campus masterplan,” O’Donovan said.
“It will comprise of a 250 metre cycling track and up to 12 badminton courts in the in-track area, in addition to spectator seating and ancillary facilities.
“The centre will provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes who currently have to travel abroad for both training and competition, as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities.”
He added that, after the tendering process, Sport Ireland would “prepare a final business case including costings for ministerial approval”.
“Subject to my consideration of this business case, I hope to confirm the overall budget allocation for the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre later this year and that construction will begin before end-2025 with a likely completion date of mid-2027.”
