Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
532. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the contract for the construction of the new National Velodrome and Badminton Centre has been signed; and if so, when his Department expects this work to commence. [71767/25]
View answerIn 2025, the revised National Development Plan reiterated the Government’s commitment to the continued development of the Sport Ireland Campus, including the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre (NVBC).
The delivery of the NVBC is in keeping with key Government priorities as set out in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and in my Department’s Statement of Strategy, which includes a high-level goal to continue to invest in new sports facilities, high performance athletes and the hosting of major events.
Government approved, on 3 September 2025, both the funding and the appointment of Walls Construction as the principal contractor for the project. Sport Ireland subsequently entered into a formal engagement with Walls Construction on 22 October 2025, following the required standstill period in accordance with procurement procedures and initial contract discussions. The final contractual arrangements were concluded on 26 November 2025.
A three-month design development period is currently underway with the contractor and construction is expected to commence in early 2026. It is expected that the NVBC will be completed and in use by Q2, 2028.
The project will deliver a 250-metre cycling track, the standard required length for hosting major international events. The NVBC will also deliver up tb 12 badminton courts in the in-track area, seating for 1,000 spectators and ancillary facilities.
The NVBC will address the need to provide world-class track cycling facilities for our athletes as well as providing the sport of badminton with integrated training, gym and medical facilities. This state of the art facility will afford our track cycling athletes the opportunity to train in Ireland and should have a positive effect on future international performance levels in both sports.
