A PLANNED new state-of-the-art sports and events arena on the city’s northside has been given a boost this week with the announcement of significant funding allocations under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) announced plans earlier this year to develop a multi-use arena at its recently-opened Coonagh campus.
Now, the proposed City North Arena has been awarded €7.5million in government funding through the LSSIF.
The new area would feature a 200-meter community velodrome, a multi-sport floored area which would to cater for a number of basketball courts, a tennis court, up to eight badminton courts, three volleyball courts, along with space for other sporting activities and fixed spectator seating.
TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane welcomed the funding confirmation, saying that “this is a major funding announcement for a project of international and national standing and of major significance for the Mid West region. City North Arena will be of direct benefit to Limerick and constitutes a major strategic element in the development of the northside of the city.”
Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne said that funding for the new City North Arena will be “transformational”.
“I’m really glad to confirm that €7.5million has been allocated to Limerick’s City North Arena which will see the development of the region’s first ever velodrome track together with a multi-sport facility catering for basketball, tennis, badminton and volleyball. This will be transformational for Limerick,” the Minister of State said.
The €7.5m for the City North Arena comes amid an overall funding tranche of €173million for projects across Ireland.
Also awarded funding in Limerick was Patrickswell GAA, which was allocated €650,000 for a full-sized natural turf pitch, a natural turf training area, as well as a new running track around the pitch, a training area, floodlighting, ball stop nets, and development and lighting for the existing pitch.
Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins said that the funding for Patrickswell GAA is fantastic news for the community.
Patrickswell GAA “have made an enormous contribution to the local community and to Limerick GAA over the years and particularly in recent times,” Minister Collins said.
He send the funding will “completely transform the club facilities and make the venue a modern, fit for purpose location for all when the project is completed”.
Limerick projects allocated funding will now proceed to further evaluation and due diligence processes before works are carried out.
