Ireland is to get a second indoor velodrome with news that the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Cycling Ireland (CI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an one on the northside of Limerick City.
The news comes only weeks after confirmation that a national Velodrome and Badminton Centre is to be built on the Sport Ireland Campus
The Limerick velodrome will be central to the proposed new multipurpose sports arena on the site of the Technological University’s Coonagh Campus.
TUS applied for planning permission in July from Limerick City and County Council for an indoor arena that will be constructed from a twin-skin pressurised system, similar to the design of the Raymond Poulidor Velodrome in France.
It will feature a 200-metre cycling track, changing facilities, 476 permanent seated spectator viewing, storage and WC facilities.
The proposed 8,000 sqm arena is also designed to provide facilities for various sports including gymnastics, badminton, volleyball and tennis, as well as for exams, lectures and events.
TUS and Cycling Ireland have agreed to pursue the €15.4 million velodrome project as a joint application through the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund. It is hoped the arena will be completed in 2027.
“TUS is committed to building and enhancing relationships and partnerships to drive the sustainable development of our regions and to positively impact our communities,” said TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane.
“The shared values of the university and Cycling Ireland provide the foundations for a strong relationship to meet these goals, working together to provide much needed sport facilities for athletes, while also opening up opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities on the north side of Limerick city and the wider region.”
“With our new campus at Coonagh, we have capacity for sports developments and the ideally positioned, multi-use arena incorporating a velodrome will help the development of the north side of the city, while offering wider benefits to Limerick and to the Midwest.”
“Cycling Ireland operates across all cycling disciplines and is dedicated to promoting and developing new state-of-the-art facilities on the island of Ireland,” added Cycling ireland CEO James Quilligan.
“We are excited that the development of such a facility in Limerick will help develop the sport here and allow international athletes to train here.”
“By providing a community-based facility with a 200m velodrome track, it will encourage participation in the sport and can act as a satellite feeder to the Sport Ireland Campus velodrome for events, competitions, and the development of future representative cyclists.”
Limerick has transport infrastructure that makes it easily accessible to most of the country, together with the proximity to Shannon Airport, which makes Limerick an ideal location to also support plans for the national centre in Abbotstown.
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