The announcement comes under the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne, confirmed the funding, which includes €650,000 for Patrickswell GAA Club and €7.5 million for Limerick’s new multi-purpose sports arena, the City North Arena, at the TUS Coonagh Campus.

Patrickswell GAA Club are planning the development of a natural turf full-sized playing pitch with a natural turf training area. It will also include a new running track around the perimeter of the main pitch, and a training area, floodlighting and ball stop nets. 

Following their joint application, TUS and Cycling Ireland have been allocated €7.5 million for the construction of a new multi-purpose sports arena on the site of the TUS Coonagh Campus. The City North Arena will include Ireland’s first indoor velodrome outside of Dublin. 

The arena will include a 200m community-use velodrome cycling track, a multi-purpose, multi-sport floored area providing for combinations of, 1-2 basketball courts, 1 tennis court, 7-8 badminton courts, 3 volleyball courts, and other space for sporting activities and fixed spectator seating. 

The total cost of the project is an estimated €15.4 million euro. 

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran says the funding represents significant investment in our community: “Notwithstanding my lifelong loyalty to Mungret GAA, I am of course delighted to see investment in Patrickswell GAA Club and wish them the best of luck with their new sports pitch. The €650,000 funding is not just an investment in sports infrastructure; it is an investment in community, enhancing people’s health and well-being.”

Mayor Moran continued: “I also want to congratulate TUS and Cycling Ireland for advancing their ambitious velodrome project, which will be a major asset for all of Limerick. By committing €7.5 million to the City North Arena, Minister Byrne is recognising the immense value this unique sports facility will bring to the wider community.

“Investment in regions outside the capital, like Limerick, is crucial for balancing development across the country. I am delighted to see this level of support for such an important project to add further impetus to our work to rebuild the Northside neighbourhood of our city.”

Director General at Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly commented: “The investment for City North Arena is a testament to the collaborative efforts of TUS and Cycling Ireland, and it underscores the importance of providing top-notch sports facilities for our community.”