Construction has started on the new international velodrome in Dublin and a planning application has now been made for a second Irish velodrome (Photo: Jaroslaw Kurek)
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Construction work may have just commenced on the long-promised international-standard velodrome in Dublin but now things are moving forward again for Irish cycling as planning permission has been lodged for a second new indoor velodrome.
The new track, which will be part of a new multi-sport facility, will be located in Limerick, on the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Coonagh campus.
Furthermore, €7.5 million in funding has already been allocated to the project under the ‘large scale sport infrastructure fund’ by the Department of Further and Higher Education. In total, the project is expected to cost at least €15 million and the true costs are likely to be higher, especially if it takes some time to proceed.
The €7.5 million funding announcement, in 2024, was welcomed at the time by both TUS and Cycling Ireland. A ‘memorandum of understanding’ was also agreed in 2024 between TUS and Cycling Ireland to develop a €15.4m indoor velodrome on the northside of Limerick City.
Though the 200m velodrome will obviously be a significant part of the new facility, the in-track area will also be used for other sports. That will include gymnastics, badminton, volleyball, tennis and football, among other sports. It could also be used for college exams and community events.
The new planning application has been made to Limerick City and County Council. It is for a 10-year permission for the construction of the 7,201sqm multi-sport and community facility.
The proposed ‘City North Arena’ will be designed around a 200-metre banked track, with a central indoor space that can be configured for other sports. The arena will provide seating for about 480 spectators.
The site of the new facility is on the north-western edge of Limerick City within the Coonagh campus. It is zoned for ‘education and community facilities’ under the Limerick Development Plan, which includes sports infrastructure.