Massive new arena planned for Limerick

A HUGE new multi-purpose arena is planned for the northside of the city.

The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is planning the structure at its campus in Coonagh Cross.

The multi-million euro plans could see an inflatable dome built host sporting events, concerts and other activities.

The venue - working title City North Arena - would tower up 22.2 metres high.

It will feature a 200 metre running track along with 476 permanent seated spectator viewing spots.

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The design of the arena will be centered around the provision of an indoor community velodrome, which is a cycle-racing track, typically with steeply banked curves.

The arena will be able to be used for sports including cycling, gymnastics, badminton, volleyball, tennis, and soccer.

It will also be able to be used for exams, lectures, count centres, dinners, musical recitals and concerts.

In documents provided to Limerick Council planners, SSA Architects, which is designing the project for TUS say they are planning for the arena to be a public transport destination.

New 'CITY NORTH ARENA' - TUS Coonagh Campus - @TUS_ie has lodged a planning application for a new 'City North Arena' at Coonagh Cross. It will be a multipurpose dome arena for which TUS is applying for funding from the Government’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/2Uh79uJesH

— Olivia O'Sullivan (@oliviaos) June 26, 2024

They concede that while at the moment, transport connections to the site are limited, this is expected to improve next year with the advent of BusConnects, a programme which will see public transport services around Limerick improve.

“The key relevant takeaway from the new BusConnects system is rthe provision of three new bus routes serving the TUS campus and by extension the application site,” the designers have stated.

The project is in its early stages: plans have been submitted to secure funding under the government’s large scale sport infrastructure fund.

In order to qualify for this, a planning application needs to be in place by Monday.

The architecture firm said in its report to council that while cycling is growing in popularity, there is a lack of community infrastructure in the west and south of Ireland.

“This lack of infrastructure limits opportunities for training, development and competition, hindering the growth of cycling communities and talent outside of major metropolitan areas,” they said.

Fine Gael northside councillor Olivia O’Sullivan has welcomed the project.

“We are lacking velodrome facilities in this part of the country. There is obviously a demand,” she said.

She also pointed out there are limited athletics facilities for children north of the Shannon, and argued this could also bridge that gap.

“A lot of kids might not be very good at sport, but athletics is just running. Any athletics facilities that were here have moved out to University of Limerick. It means on the northside, there are no athletics clubs for children,” added Cllr O’Sullivan.