Plans revealed for Ireland’s first winter sports arena

The proposed development is set to cost €190m.

Plans have been revealed for the development of Ireland's first winter sports arena in Dublin.

The company behind the plans, Prime Arena Holdings, said they expect to submit planning for the eight-acre site in Cherrywood, south Dublin, by September.

The development is expected to cost €190 million and has been backed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, as they aim to provide a home for Dublin's first professional ice hockey team.

It is set to feature two full-sized Olympic ice rinks, a 5,000-seat or 8,000 standing indoor arena and a high-performance training centre for elite athletes.

Plans are in place for it to host more than sport, with developers expecting it to host between 50-70 events annually, including concerts, international exhibitions, and corporate events.

Dermot Rigley, CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, told RTÉ: "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.

"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."

Jim O'Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added: "It will contribute significantly to our corporate goals in realising 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."