Emer Currie
Question:21. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the development of the national cricket stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32816/26]
View answerThursday, 7 May 2026
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Written answers
Significant progress has been made on the development of the National Cricket Centre, the NCC, at the Sport Ireland Campus since planning permission for Phase 1 of the project was granted in November 2025.
The overall project will be be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will deliver the main field of play, 4,240 spectator seats, a high-performance centre and a player and match officials' building. This first phase will be managed in two distinct construction contracts to ensure that the playing surface will be adequately prepared in time for the 2030 T20 World Cup tournament, which Ireland will co-host. Contract 1 will deliver the main cricket oval, seating bowl and concourse, two toilet blocks, an energy centre, a maintenance building, and all associated civil and infrastructure works.
The procurement process for Contract 1, which is being managed by Sport Ireland, is complete and John Sisk & Sons Limited is the preferred tenderer at a cost of €45.45 million, including VAT, contingency and professional fees. Sport Ireland is engaging with John Sisk & Son Limited on final contractual arrangements and I expect that site works for Contract 1 will commence in the coming weeks.
The procurement and business case processes for Contract 2, to deliver the remaining requirements of Phase 1, will take place later this year and it is anticipated that the facility will be completed and operational by Q3 2029.
Beyond its role as a host venue for the 2030 T20 World Cup, the NCC will play a crucial role in enabling Ireland’s elite cricket teams to compete at the highest international levels. It will also provide Cricket Ireland with the facilities to assist in growing participation in cricket more generally.