Planning Permission Granted for National Cricket Centre at Sport Ireland Campus – Sport for Business

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Nov 11, 2025 | Cricket, News Freeview, Venues
Sport Ireland has announced that final planning permission has been granted for the first phase of the National Cricket Centre, to be developed on the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
The landmark project will deliver Ireland’s first dedicated national cricket facility and represents a major step forward for the sport’s development. Phase One will include the main field of play, 4,240 spectator seats, a high-performance centre, and a dedicated player and match officials’ building.
Supporting infrastructure and parking facilities are also part of the approved plans.
The new centre is being developed in partnership between Sport Ireland, the Government, and Cricket Ireland, and will form part of preparations for Ireland’s role as a co-host of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030 alongside England and Scotland.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD welcomed the decision, describing it as “a clear demonstration of the Government’s ongoing commitment to investing in world-class sporting infrastructure and the continued development of the Sport Ireland Masterplan.”
“This facility will allow Ireland’s cricket teams to participate at the highest international standards and significantly enhance our efforts to serve as a host nation for major cricket events and competitions, including the T20 and ODI World Cups,” he said.
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD said the centre “will be truly transformative for cricket in Ireland,” adding that the new facility “represents a major step forward in supporting participation and performance for the sport by providing players, coaches, and communities with essential facilities to compete at the highest level and inspire future generations.”
John Foley, Chairperson of Sport Ireland, described the project as “a significant strategic milestone” for Irish sport.
“This development reflects not only the vision and collaboration of all partners involved, but also our shared commitment to delivering long-term national impact,” he said. “It will strengthen Ireland’s sporting infrastructure, enhance community engagement, and drive sustained social and economic value.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said the new facility would “revolutionise cricket in Ireland,” providing “world-class training facilities for players to sharpen their skills and a thrilling, up-close experience for fans.”
She added: “We know how strongly cricket resonates across our multicultural communities and we look forward to seeing this centre flourish as a lively meeting place where diversity is embraced and meaningful cultural connections can grow.”
Tony Lawless, Sport Ireland’s Director of Development, said design work will now progress to tender later this year, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. “Sustainability on the project will be to the highest standards,” he said. “This first phase will be transformative and when complete will deliver a significant new national facility on the Campus.”
Cricket Ireland also welcomed the announcement, calling it a “game changer” for the sport.
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, said: “The stadium and training facility is crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of Irish cricket and is a key element of our strategy for the future. As a piece of national infrastructure alone, the National Cricket Centre is a very positive addition to our sporting landscape – but through its use and hosting of top international cricket, including the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2030, it will become a place of community engagement, social connection, and economic benefit.”
MacNeice expressed gratitude to the Government, Ministers O’Donovan and McConalogue, and Sport Ireland for their support. “Our ambition is to become a major sport in Ireland and a major nation in cricket – this project will help us achieve that in the coming years,” he said.
The National Cricket Centre site covers approximately 30 hectares on the eastern part of the Sport Ireland Campus. The broader project will be delivered in two phases, with the initial phase focused on the field of play and core infrastructure.
 
Image Credit: Sport for Business, Sportsfile
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