An indoor cycling velodrome and multi-use arena is set to be built in Limerick in the northside of the city.
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Cycling Ireland (CI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the €15.4 million velodrome.
The velodrome, which it is hoped will be completed by 2027, will be central to the proposed new multi-purpose sports arena on the site of the Technological University’s Coonagh Campus.
It will feature a 200m cycling track, changing facilities, 476 permanent seated spectator viewing, storage and WC facilities.
The proposed 8,000 sq/m arena is also designed to provide facilities for various sports including gymnastics, badminton, volleyball and tennis as well as uses such as exams and events.
The Limerick arena would become the first indoor velodrome outside Dublin, with plans in motion for Ireland’s first indoor cycling track at National Velodrome and Badminton Centre in Abbotstown, which is also scheduled for completion by 2027.
Neill Delhaye, Cycling Ireland High Performance Head Coach, added: "Sports infrastructure projects, like this Limerick Velodrome, have a hugely positive & wide reaching community benefit. To be able to train, race, have fun and compete all year round in a safe, spectator friendly environment is a potential game changer for cycling at every level from participation, pathway development and all the way to high performance.
“It’s very exciting to think we may soon have two velodrome facilities in Ireland. The athlete & coaching talent we have on this island has as much potential for international success as any country and with facilities like this to get more kids on bikes and develop that talent to potential, we are well positioned for future Olympic & Paralympic cycles."
