{"id":756902,"date":"2026-06-24T09:19:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T09:19:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/756902\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T09:19:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T09:19:16","slug":"e3-5-million-shared-island-funding-announced-for-stormont-cricket-redevelopment-ahead-of-2030-t20-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/756902\/","title":{"rendered":"\u20ac3.5 Million Shared Island Funding Announced for Stormont Cricket Redevelopment Ahead of 2030 T20 World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Government has confirmed a \u20ac3.5 million investment through the Shared Island initiative towards the redevelopment of cricket facilities at the Stormont Estate in Belfast, strengthening preparations for Ireland and the UK\u2019s joint hosting of the 2030 ICC Men\u2019s T20 World Cup.<\/p>\n

The investment will support the transformation of the Stormont venue into an international-standard facility capable of hosting World Cup matches during the tournament.<\/p>\n

The redevelopment represents a significant element of Ireland\u2019s preparations for what is expected to be the largest sporting event ever staged on the island in terms of global broadcast reach and international engagement.<\/p>\n

The announcement follows the Government\u2019s existing commitment to developing the new National Cricket Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown, the first sod of which was turned last week, and is scheduled for completion in 2029, becoming the largest-capacity cricket venue in Ireland for the tournament.<\/p>\n

Together, the two projects underline an increasingly coordinated all-island approach to major event hosting, with Stormont set to ensure that the benefits of co-hosting the World Cup are shared across both jurisdictions.<\/p>\n

The funding was announced by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O\u2019Donovan TD, and Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD.<\/p>\n

Minister O\u2019Donovan highlighted the broader significance of the investment, noting that sport continues to offer opportunities for meaningful cross-border collaboration.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many exciting opportunities for enhanced cross-border working, including through sport,\u201d he said. \u201cThe funding from the Shared Island programmes announced today further showcases the potential of these opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRecognising the growth of cricket in Ireland in recent years, including among the growing community from South Asia, the proposed development will provide Cricket Ireland with the facilities required not only to co-host major international matches, but also to grow participation numbers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis investment reflects our shared ambition for an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events and to build high-quality sports infrastructure for the benefit of everyone, from grassroots participants all the way up to elite-level athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Minister McConalogue said the World Cup offered an opportunity not only to showcase Ireland internationally but also to leave a lasting sporting legacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am looking forward to Ireland co-hosting the 2030 Cricket T20 World Cup, along with the UK, and it will be exciting to see some of those matches taking place in the National Sports Campus in Dublin and in Stormont Estate in Belfast,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving World Cup matches in Ireland will boost participation levels amongst all age groups, both through the profile of the event and related legacy programmes, North and South.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sport for Business Perspective<\/p>\n

The funding announcement is notable not only for its sporting significance but also for what it says about the growing role of major events within Ireland\u2019s broader economic and diplomatic strategy. <\/p>\n

The 2030 T20 World Cup has the potential to reach audiences measured in the hundreds of millions worldwide, offering Ireland a platform unlike any previous sporting event staged on the island. <\/p>\n

The decision to invest in venues both North and South reinforces the increasingly collaborative approach being taken to major event hosting and highlights sport\u2019s ability to deliver lasting infrastructure, participation and social benefits beyond the tournament itself.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>Cricket Ireland and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport are full members of Sport for Business.<\/p>\n

If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport,\u00a0email us today<\/a>\u00a0and let\u2019s see what is possible.<\/p>\n

Image Credit: Leinster Rugby, Leo Cullen with Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan.<\/p>\n

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ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS<\/p>\n

Sport for Business is Ireland\u2019s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights. <\/p>\n

Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.<\/p>\n

Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland\u2019s social and economic fabric.<\/p>\n

Find out more about becoming a member today.<\/a><\/p>\n

Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.<\/p>\n

Sign up for our News Bulletins here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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