Marking a potentially momentous occasion in Irish cricket history, the first sod has been turned on the National Cricket Centre in Dublin today.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers and Deputy Government Chief Whip, Emer Currie, joined Sport Ireland and Cricket Ireland to turn the sod.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD, said: “I am delighted to be here at the Sport Ireland Campus to turn the sod for the National Cricket Centre. This facility will serve cricket at every level, from the child picking up a cricket bat for the first time to providing a valuable resource for Ireland’s international teams, both male and female, who will benefit from access to world class training facilities.
“Strengthening the infrastructure that supports participation, performance, and good governance is how we build a healthier, more active Ireland. The National Cricket Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus is a clear example of that approach in action.
“This project marks another significant milestone for the development of the Sport Ireland Campus, where two major projects are now at construction stage, the other being the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. The delivery of these major sporting infrastructural projects is a clear demonstration of the Government’s long-term vision for the Campus as a world-class hub for high performance, development, and participation.”
The first phase of the National Cricket Centre will deliver the main field of play, 4,240 spectator seats, a high-performance centre and a player and match official building.
The project will also include supporting infrastructure and parking facilities. A key element of the Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan Vision, the National Cricket Centre is a critical piece of national sports infrastructure and will be on a 30-hectares site, on the eastern part of the Sport Ireland Campus at Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD, said: “The National Cricket Centre will be a state-of-the-art venue for training as well as both national and international competitions. The Centre will serve a crucial role in connecting our successful international cricket teams with the wider community and developing the next generation of Irish athletes. It will give players and coaches the facilities they need to compete and develop at the highest level, and it sends a clear signal to the next generation that their sport is taken seriously.
“I look forward, with great interest, to seeing this major project being developed through the phases, culminating in the delivery of a world class cricket facility for Ireland for years to come.”
By addressing key infrastructure gaps, the National Cricket Centre will provide a world-class training environment that supports daily preparation, long-term development, and the high-performance goals of Cricket Ireland.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, said: “This is an exciting moment for cricket in Ireland. The National Cricket Centre will give our cricketers a permanent, world-class home to train and compete in as preparations continue for Ireland to co-host the Cricket World Cup in 2030. It will also help us grow participation in sport for more people, including women and girls, young people, and new communities here in Dublin West and right across our country.
“This significant investment reflects our shared ambition for an approach to build high quality sports infrastructure where the benefits of physical activity are available to everyone.”
Deputy Government Chief Whip, Emer Currie TD, representing the Tánaiste Simon Harris TD said: “This is excellent news for all cricket fans. Beyond its role as a host venue for the 2030 T20 World Cup, the National Cricket Centre will play a crucial role in enabling Ireland’s elite cricket teams to compete at the highest international levels. And, of course, it’s also a boost for our first-class cricket clubs here in Dublin West, which do so much good work in strengthening the community and bringing people together.”
John Foley, Chairperson of Sport Ireland, said: “Ireland has produced world-class athletes across many sports. This centre gives cricket the infrastructure to match that ambition. From training environments to competition-ready facilities, it raises the bar for what our high-performance programme can deliver. It also puts Ireland in a stronger position to attract and host major international events.”
The project will be split over two phases with this initial phase delivering the field of play and associated infrastructure.
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “This innovative venue will revolutionise cricket in Ireland, offering world-class training facilities for players to sharpen their skills and a thrilling, up-close experience for fans.
“Cricket is one of Ireland’s most genuinely diverse sports, and this centre reflects that. It will be a place where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, not just as spectators, but as players and participants. Expanding access to quality facilities is central to our vision of an active Ireland where everyone can experience the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity. The National Cricket Centre will be a practical, visible expression of that commitment.”
Sarah Keane, Cricket Ireland CEO said: “Today marks the start of a new journey for Irish cricket. Turning this first sod on the National Cricket Centre is a true game-changer. This facility will revolutionise how Cricket Ireland operates at every level, and in turn, it will impact all of Irish cricket, from international to grassroots.
“Cricket is the world’s second-largest sport, and there is so much potential for growth of the game here in Ireland, but infrastructure is key to this. This facility, and the support of the Government, the Department and Sport Ireland are fundamental to the development and future of Irish cricket. We sincerely thank Minister O’Donovan, Minister McConalogue, Minister Chambers the Irish Government and Sport Ireland for their commitment and support of the National Cricket Centre which also will enable us to co-host the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030 and many other events and activities.”
Tony Lawless, Sport Ireland Development Director, said: “The National Cricket Centre is a significant step forward for the Sport Ireland Campus. This is exactly the kind of investment that transforms what’s possible – for athletes, for coaches, and for the communities who use these facilities every day. We’re building something that will last.”
