IRFU Welcome Phase Two Of Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena

Phase two will see the development of a rugby specific high performance facility with a high performance gym and training facility, a covered half-pitch training facility and the construction of three full sized outdoor rugby pitches. These will be used by all of the Ireland international Men’s and Women’s teams.

The timing of the project, which is due to be completed by 2019, will further support Ireland’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023, and ensure the best possible preparation for Ireland’s senior Men and Women’s XVs, Women’s and Men’s Sevens sides and all underage teams as they continue to represent Ireland on the international sporting stage.

The project will be supported by the IRFU, who will invest over €;2m in the development of three full size outdoor pitches and the fit-out of the high performance facilities.

Welcoming the announcement, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: “The announcement of the commencement of Phase Two of the National Indoor Arena project is of huge significance to our games.

“It is recognised that year-on-year teams competing against the best in the world must improve performance, and this project will allow all those who work at developing Ireland’s top athletes to come together in a centre of excellence, which can foster shared learning and development of Ireland’s elite athletes across all codes.

“It will be a significant leap forward for rugby, as, for the first time in our history we will have a central training base for all of our teams, who will benefit from world-class facilities. 

“We know from experience that improvements and investment off the pitch result in improvements and performance on the pitch and we congratulate and thank Minister Shane Ross TD, the Government and Sport Ireland for their support.”