Sod turning for National Indoor Arena

THE new National Indoor Arena (NIA) came another step closer recently when Minister for Sport, Paschal Donohoe, officially turned the sod on the site in Dublin 15.

The NIA is part of the overall National Sports Campus masterplan and the first phase of the project will include an indoor athletics training centre with sprint tracks, throw, jump and pole-vault areas and potential seating for up to almost 2,000 spectators.

The facility will also be home to the National Gymnastics Training Centre and it will cater for over 20 sports in a variety of configurations as it’s capable of being sub-divided into three separate areas.

Plans for the second phase of the facility will include covered synthetic playing pitches, allowing for year-round training for field sports like soccer and rugby.

The first phase is scheduled for completion in November 2016.

Chairman of the National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA), Sean Benton, said there significant progress had been made at the Campus over the past few years.

“However, the next two years will see the Campus take a significant leap forward with the provision of the missing piece of national sporting infrastructure – the National Indoor Arena,

? he added.

“This facility will provide over 20 different sports with access to world-class training and competition facilities and help drive the development of Irish sport into the future.

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Speaking at the turning of the sod ceremony, Minister Donohoe, said the NIA was long considered the missing piece in national sporting infrastructure.

“I am delighted that the construction of the National Indoor Arena has now commenced and I look forward to seeing these works progress over the coming months,

? he added.

“The development of the National Indoor Arena is very significant and will provide world-class indoor training facilities in which Irish athletes can train and prepare for international competitions.

?

Tánaiste Joan Burton said the National Sports Campus was becoming a major presence in Dublin 15.

“I am delighted to see that so many sporting organisations are basing themselves here on the campus, making Dublin West a real home for Irish sport,

? she continued.

“The NIA building works are very welcome from an employment point of view also. During construction it will generate 250 jobs and will provide local businesses with an opportunity to be part of the construction process.

“We all know the importance of sport and physical activity in terms of the health and social benefits that it brings. While the Campus will be of enormous benefit to our elite sportsmen and women, it is also delivering a lot of opportunities for the local community to participate in sport and to develop healthy lifestyles.

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