The proposed Prime Arena multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue planned for Dublin, Ireland has secured formal endorsements from a trio of key stakeholders.
Business Plus said Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Economic Development unit, Dublin Chamber and Tourism Ireland have all backed the plan as Prime Arena moves closer to submitting a planning application.
Prime Arena Holdings is planning to develop the 6,000-seat indoor arena with two Olympic-sized ice rinks on an eight-acre site in Cherrywood, Dublin.
The proposed €190 million development, which also aims to house the State’s first ice hockey franchise, would be used to host ice sports, provide elite training, and attract major entertainment acts, creating a national hub for winter sports.
The project’s developers said the latest support from the three organisations represents a significant endorsement as the development continues discussions with Government regarding grant funding and prepares to lodge its planning application later this summer.
If approved, Prime Arena would become Ireland’s first purpose-built multi-use arena capable of hosting international concerts, sporting events and year-round winter sports activities.
The developers estimate the venue could attract more than 1.3 million visitors annually, generating economic activity for the wider Dublin region while strengthening Ireland’s ability to host major international events.
John O’Toole, Head of Economic Development at Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said the development would have a significant impact on the region.
He said, “The potential to have Ireland’s first dedicated winter sports and entertainment arena earmarked for development in Cherrywood is transformational.
“Once constructed, it will contribute significantly to our ambitions across sport, tourism and culture, supporting further economic growth and opportunity throughout Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the wider region.
“A venue of this scale will deliver significant direct and indirect economic benefits, from job creation and visitor spending to strengthened destination branding and the activation of Cherrywood as a vibrant new town centre.”
Dublin Chamber chief executive Mary Rose Burke said the proposed development could provide a major boost to the capital’s economy.
She said, “Prime Arena would deliver a significant and lasting boost to Dublin’s economy, supporting businesses across hospitality, tourism, retail and local services while further strengthening the city’s international reputation as a dynamic, globally competitive destination for world-class sport, entertainment and major events.
“The project has the potential to become one of the most transformative entertainment and tourism developments delivered in the State in recent years.”
Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Alice Mansergh said: “The Prime Arena development would offer opportunities to attract visitors from overseas.
“The development would have the capacity to host sizeable sporting events, concerts, conferences and exhibitions, all of which have the potential to attract visitors and generate economic benefits throughout the year.”
The latest endorsements add to growing support from business, tourism and sporting stakeholders for the development, which is being positioned as a strategic piece of national infrastructure.
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