Irish Government Greenlights National Cricket Stadium Project: A New Era for Irish Cricket

Cricket Ireland has hailed the Irish government's approval to develop a national cricket stadium as a landmark moment for the sport in the country. Chief executive Warren Deutrom described the decision as being "up there in terms of significance with the day we became a full member of the ICC." The government’s announcement, made on Wednesday, sets in motion the planning and design phase for a state-of-the-art National Cricket Stadium and High Performance Centre at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown.

The ambitious project will see phase one completed by 2028, featuring a main cricket oval with permanent seating for 4,000 spectators and space for additional temporary seating during major events. Planning and design work is expected to be finalized by mid-2025, with the tender process to follow.

The stadium marks a major leap forward for cricket in Ireland. Deutrom expressed his excitement, calling it "absolutely fantastic" and a testament to the growth and recognition of the sport at both the national and provincial levels. "This is a huge tribute to everyone involved in Irish cricket who has helped elevate the sport to where it is now considered of national significance, worthy of such major investment," he said.

The project is set to transform the landscape of cricket in Ireland, providing world-class facilities that will not only enhance player development but also strengthen the sport's infrastructure. "These facilities will help drive the sport forward – significantly assisting our highest performing players to prepare, train, and perform better on the world stage," Deutrom noted.

Beyond the benefits to elite players, the new stadium is poised to be a major boost for Irish cricket's ambitions on the global stage. The permanent venue will enable Ireland to host top international teams regularly and is a crucial step as the country gears up to co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with England and Scotland in 2030.

Deutrom acknowledged that the journey to the stadium’s completion will be a lengthy one, with expectations that it will take three to four years before the venue is ready for use. However, he emphasized that the long-term benefits are worth the wait. “Today’s announcement fires the starting pistol on the project,” he said, adding that the shift from temporary infrastructure to a permanent home will free up resources to invest in grassroots development and regional facilities.

Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice extended his gratitude to Irish Sports Minister Catherine Martin, Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne, and Sport Ireland for their support and belief in cricket’s potential. "This investment will help shape our future as a sport and support our ambitions to be a major sport in Ireland, and a major nation in world cricket," MacNeice remarked.

The announcement marks a new chapter for Irish cricket, one that could see the sport reach unprecedented heights in the coming years. As the project progresses, cricket fans across Ireland will eagerly await the day when the National Cricket Stadium becomes the beating heart of the game in the country.