New Indoor Velodrome to Open in Limerick by 2027

Ireland will soon have two new indoor velodromes by 2027. One in Dublin and another in Limerick promises a new era for Irish cycling and multi-sport training.

After years of waiting, Irish cycling is about to get a big boost. In just one month, two new velodrome projects have been approved, promising a bright future for the sport. By 2027, Ireland will have not one, but two top-notch indoor cycling tracks.

A Big Boost for Irish Cycling

The first velodrome will be part of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin. This impressive facility will feature a 25-meter cycle track along with 12 badminton courts. The project has already moved forward to the bidding stage, marking a big step for Irish sports facilities.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. A second velodrome is set to rise on the north side of Limerick City. The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Cycling Ireland (CI) have teamed up to make this happen. They’ve signed an agreement to develop a €15.4 million indoor velodrome, which will be the main feature of TUS’s new multi-purpose sports arena on the Coonagh Campus.

This Limerick velodrome will be built with a twin-layer pressurized system, similar to the well-known Raymond Poulidor Velodrome in France. It will have a 200-meter cycling track, changing rooms, and seating for 476 spectators. 

The arena will cover 8,000 square meters and will be flexible enough to host gymnastics, badminton, volleyball, tennis, and even exams or other events.

A Game-Changer for Irish Cyclists

The arrival of these two velodromes is a big change for Ireland’s international track cyclists. Until now, they had to spend long periods and a lot of money training abroad. With these new facilities, they can train, race, and develop their skills at home.

Neill Delhaye, Cycling Ireland’s High-Performance Head Coach, shared his excitement. He believes these projects will have a big impact on the community, boosting cycling at every level—from beginners to top athletes. "It's exciting to think we may soon have two velodrome facilities in Ireland," he said.

TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, highlighted the shared goals between the university and Cycling Ireland. He sees this partnership as a way to bring much-needed sports facilities to Limerick, helping not just athletes but the entire community.

By 2027, Ireland will be ready to support the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic cycling stars, all while encouraging more kids to hop on bikes and discover the joy of cycling.