Howzat! Ministers and Sport Ireland welcome granting of planning permission for National Cricket Centre
Sport Ireland is pleased to announce that final planning permission has been granted for the development of the first phase of the National Cricket Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus.
Phase 1 will deliver the main field of play, 4,240 spectator seats, a high-performance centre and, player and match official building. The project will also include supporting infrastructure and parking facilities.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “I am delighted that planning permission for the first phase of the development of the National Cricket Centre has now been granted. This project is 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.”
Delivering the centre for the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Ireland, England and Scotland, will open up the game to a new generation of fans.
The site is approximately 30 hectares, located in 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, said: “The National Cricket Centre will be truly transformative for cricket in Ireland. It will represent 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
“The granting of planning permission is a major achievement in the project lifecycle, and I look forward to its continued development and the delivery of a world class facility for cricket in the coming years.”
John Foley, Chairperson of Sport Ireland, said: “Securing planning permission for this major development represents a significant strategic milestone - one that reflects not only the vision and collaboration of all partners involved, but also our shared commitment to delivering long-term national impact.
“This project will strengthen Ireland’s sporting infrastructure, enhance community engagement, and drive sustained social and economic value. We greatly appreciate the Government’s continued partnership and support as we move toward the next phase of delivery.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May 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.
“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.
“The Sport Ireland Campus is already a cornerstone of Irish sport - and with this new development, plus the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre, we’re raising the bar even higher. These world-class facilities will provide Cricket Ireland with the facilities required to further grow participation numbers and take the game to the next level.”
Tony Lawless, Sport Ireland Development Director, said: “It is great to achieve a successful planning grant for this ambitious project. The National Cricket Centre will be world-class facility and design development will now progress to allow a tender to be issued later this year.
“Sustainability on the project will be to the highest standards, and the project will progress to construction stage in early 2026. This first phase will be transformative and when complete will deliver a significant new national facility on the Campus.”
The project will be split over two phases with this initial phase delivering the field of play and associated infrastructure.