Planning approval granted for the development of the first phase of the National Cricket Centre

Cricket Ireland has welcomed the announcement that final planning permission has been granted for the development of the first phase of the National Cricket Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus.

The approval allows work can proceed on developing the main field of play, 4,240 spectator seats, a high-performance centre and, player and match official building.

In addition, this phase will also include supporting infrastructure and parking facilities.

Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, said:

“We are delighted that planning permission has been granted. The stadium and training facility is crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of Irish cricket and will position us well as we head towards the 2030 T20 World Cup that we will be co-hosting.

“Between the stadium, the 2030 T20 World Cup and other significant improvements underway across Ireland, we are in a real phase of growth for the sport locally, and improvement in our competitiveness on the world stage. Announcements like today’s are important milestones that will help us achieve our potential.

“As a piece of national infrastructure alone, the National Cricket Centre is a very positive addition to our national sporting landscape – but through its use and hosting of top international cricket, the facility becomes a place of community engagement and participation, social connection and revenue to the wider economy.

“It is not too over-stated a cliché in this instance, but the National Cricket Centre is a real gamechanger and one which will directly benefit generations to come.

“Our ambition is to become a major sport in Ireland and a major nation in cricket – this project will help us achieve that in coming years and we look forward to the day we can open the gates and invite everyone in to enjoy international cricket at its best.”

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – with its focus on elevating the live experience – is being hosted at Everton’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd, and will include a behind-the-scenes VIP Host Venue Tour, in addition to tours of two other Liverpool landmark venues.

The site is approximately 30 hectares, located in the eastern part of the Sport Ireland campus at Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The campus already contains the headquarters of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Irish Rugby’s high performance centre, Aquatics Ireland and is Ireland’s Olympics and Special Olympics hub.

The broader project will be split over two phases, with this initial phase delivering the field of play and associated infrastructure.

The facility is being developed in partnership between Sport Ireland, the Irish Government and Cricket Ireland, and will form part of preparations for Ireland’s role as a co-host of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030 alongside England and Scotland.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said of the announcement:

“It 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.”

Source & imagery, courtesy of Cricket Ireland

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