Plans for a €190m dedicated winter sports and entertainment arena that will host Dublin's first professional ice hockey team have been unveiled.
Prime Arena Holdings has reached an agreement to acquired an 8.14-acre site in Cherrywood, south Dublin to develop the multi-purpose complex with a 5,000-seat indoor arena and two full-sized Olympic ice rinks.
The site is located within the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone with links to the Luas, Dublin Bus, M50 and M11.
Planning documentation for the development is due to be submitted by September, and Prime Arena Holdings expects that it will serve as a national hub for winter sports, major concerts, international exhibitions and corporate events.
The development has the backing of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and Prime Arena Holdings has "worked extensively" with national sporting bodies, tourism agencies, industry partners and event promoters such as Fáilte Ireland and the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
The ice hockey team would compete in the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League and European competitions, and the arena will host 50-70 events annually. The venue is projected to generate a socio-economic impact of over €230m annually.
Prime Arena Holdings said that 400 jobs would be created during construction, and that a further 1,600 roles would be supported annually, including 80 full-time positions related to ice-based activities.
The rinks would be open to year-round an estimated 1m people for public skating, school and youth groups, and the arena would open Ireland up to hosting major indoor sporting events including NHL hockey, NBA basketball, and ATP/WTA tennis.
“This is a defining moment for Ireland – a bold statement of what we can achieve when ambition meets collaboration,” said Dermot Rigley, CEO of Prime Arena Holdings.
“Since 2021, we’ve been working quietly but relentlessly with an incredible team to bring this vision to life – and today, we’re proud to finally share it with the Irish public.
"With the support of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Hines, we’re building more than an arena – we’re creating a national landmark that will open up winter sports to every corner of Irish society, empower our athletes, and give Ireland the platform it deserves to host world-class events.”
Tom Kennedy, chairman of Prime Arena Holdings, added: “This isn’t just an
investment in infrastructure – it’s a legacy for generations.
"We are deeply grateful to our incredible investor group and project team, whose belief and commitment have made this moment possible.”
Cllr. Jim O'Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, welcomed the announcement, adding that the "transformational arena will contribute significantly to our corporate goals in realising our sports, tourism and cultural ambitions" and in support further economic growth and opportunities.
(Pic: Supplied)
