Cricket Added to Growing Number of Sports at Sport Ireland National Sports Campus

Sport Ireland today announced that cricket will be the latest sport to have a presence on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, with construction on world class outdoor training facilities due to get underway shortly.

With the rapid growth of cricket in Ireland over the past 10 years – both at participation and high-performance levels – Cricket Ireland has brought forward plans for the development of a high performance training centre at the Blanchardstown facility.

The project will see the development of 14 grass nets, a 90 metre outfield for fielding work and centre wicket practice, an artificial practice area and seating and storage areas for players, staff and equipment.

Speaking about the development, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross said: “I am delighted to approve the development of the new cricket training facility at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. I am well aware of crickets’ ability to provide a lift to the nation with memorable victories at world events over the last number of years. This new facility will be beneficial to Ireland’s future performances on the world stage and will provide greater opportunities to young aspiring cricketers in Ireland. I am also happy to see another sport added to the growing list of National Governing Bodies who have a presence on the Campus site. With the imminent completion of the National Indoor Arena along with this new Cricket facility, the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus is now well  on its way to becoming the home of Irish sport.”

The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan also welcomed the development. He said “I am delighted to show the Government’s support for cricket by approving the development of a high performance training facility at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. This facility will give Irish based players access to quality training and preparation.  Cricket is now one of Ireland’s fastest growing sports, being played in more schools, clubs and teams than ever before. I am sure that the development of this new facility and the continued success of the Irish cricket team will ensure that it continues to grow in popularity throughout the country. I wish Cricket Ireland well in the development of this facility.”

Sport Ireland Chairman, Kieran Mulvey, welcomed the addition of cricket to growing list of National Governing Bodies with a presence on the Campus: “The Sport Ireland National Sports Campus is continuing to grow at a pace and the addition of cricket to the site is a welcome one, which will no doubt have a significant impact on the development of Cricket Ireland’s high-performance programme. The development of these world-class training facilities, along with the opening of the National Indoor Arena early next year, will help cement the Campus’ position as the central hub of sport in Ireland.”

Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy, added: “Sport Ireland is delighted to add cricket to the growing list of sports with a presence on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. Through its performances both on and off the field in the last number of years, Cricket Ireland has shown that cricket has become a sport of national significance. Earlier this year Cricket Ireland launched an ambitious strategic plan which aims to make cricket mainstream, and the development of these world class training facilities at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus will assist this objective as the sport continues to grow.”

Cricket Ireland will fund the development of the new training area, which will be utilised Ireland’s international and inter-provincial sides, with technical assistance from Sport Ireland.

The new facility will be located adjacent to the existing Sport Ireland Institute High Performance Training Centre on the Campus.  This will enable Cricket Ireland avail of the training, analysis and rehab facilities on offer at the Institute.

Cricket Ireland Chief Executive, Warren Deutrom is looking forward to the development: “The development of Cricket Ireland’s first-ever dedicated outdoor training centre is a huge step forward for Irish Cricket. For the first time, our performance squads – male and female, senior and junior, national, provincial and academy – will be able to train on a day-to-day basis in a state-of-the-art facility controlled by Cricket Ireland. We are grateful to the Government and Sport Ireland for providing us with the land, and of course to ICC (International Cricket Council) which is clearly growing its support for Ireland’s aspirations, with approval of first-class status for the Hanley Energy Interprovincial Competition, our elevation to the 12-team ODI structure, and additional $500k in 2016 and 2017 to help us afford the matches.”