Blab Sports
Construction Begins on Irelands National Cricket Centre in Blanchardstown
A fresh sod is turning on a 30‑hectare parcel in Blanchardstown, signalling the start of a new chapter for Irish cricket. Work has officially begun on the National Cricket Centre (NCC) at the Sport Ireland Campus, where a state‑of‑the‑art main field, a 4,240‑seat bowl, a high‑performance centre and a dedicated building for players and match officials will soon rise.
The first phase of the project focuses on the playing surface and its immediate infrastructure, while the second phase will expand seating and add further facilities. The NCC is designed to be a world‑class training hub that will support Cricket Ireland’s long‑term development ambitions and provide a venue capable of hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030.
"Today marks the start of a new journey for Irish cricket. Turning this first sod on the National Cricket Centre is a true game‑changer," said Cricket Ireland CEO Sarah Keane. "This facility will revolutionise how Cricket Ireland operates at every level, and in turn, it will impact all of Irish cricket, from international to grassroots."
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May echoed that sentiment, adding that the centre will “boost inclusivity.” She explained that the venue will offer world‑class training for players and a thrilling, up‑close experience for fans, reflecting cricket’s diverse nature in Ireland. “It will be a place where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, not just as spectators, but as players and participants,” she said.
The sod‑turning ceremony was attended by ministers with sport briefings, Patrick O’Donovan and Charlie McConalogue, as well as Minister Jack Chambers and Deputy Government Chief Whip Emer Currie.
Construction is led by John Sisk & Son, who received the preferred tenderer status for the initial contract on May 12, 2026. The company will deliver the main oval, the 4,240‑seat bowl and the associated civil works.
The NCC is part of a broader development plan for the Sport Ireland Campus, which also houses the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. The campus is a key element of Sport Ireland’s Masterplan Vision for national sports infrastructure.
Cricket Ireland’s strategy sees the high‑performance centre as a training, coaching and medical hub for national teams and players at all levels. The facility will also play a pivotal role in Ireland’s bid to co‑host the 2030 T20 World Cup, a tournament that will be shared with England and Scotland. The new centre will meet international standards and provide a venue that can host the world’s best.
A 2023 report by the Irish Independent projected that the project would generate a €93 million tourism dividend over five years.
As construction progresses, Cricket Ireland and Sport Ireland are coordinating the timeline with the 2030 World Cup schedule. The first phase is slated for completion in time for the tournament, with the second phase to follow.
Beyond international events, the NCC will serve as a community hub, offering facilities for local clubs and schools. The high‑performance centre will feature state‑of‑the‑art training equipment, a fitness suite and a physiotherapy clinic.
In summary, the National Cricket Centre marks a significant investment in Irish cricket infrastructure. The first phase will deliver a main field, a 4,240‑seat bowl, a high‑performance centre and a player and match‑official building, along with supporting infrastructure and parking. The project is led by John Sisk & Son and is part of a two‑phase plan that will ultimately provide a venue capable of hosting the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and other international events. Construction has begun, and the next steps involve completing the initial phase and moving into the second phase of development.
The first phase of the project focuses on the playing surface and its immediate infrastructure, while the second phase will expand seating and add further facilities. The NCC is designed to be a world‑class training hub that will support Cricket Ireland’s long‑term development ambitions and provide a venue capable of hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030.
"Today marks the start of a new journey for Irish cricket. Turning this first sod on the National Cricket Centre is a true game‑changer," said Cricket Ireland CEO Sarah Keane. "This facility will revolutionise how Cricket Ireland operates at every level, and in turn, it will impact all of Irish cricket, from international to grassroots."
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May echoed that sentiment, adding that the centre will “boost inclusivity.” She explained that the venue will offer world‑class training for players and a thrilling, up‑close experience for fans, reflecting cricket’s diverse nature in Ireland. “It will be a place where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, not just as spectators, but as players and participants,” she said.
The sod‑turning ceremony was attended by ministers with sport briefings, Patrick O’Donovan and Charlie McConalogue, as well as Minister Jack Chambers and Deputy Government Chief Whip Emer Currie.
Construction is led by John Sisk & Son, who received the preferred tenderer status for the initial contract on May 12, 2026. The company will deliver the main oval, the 4,240‑seat bowl and the associated civil works.
The NCC is part of a broader development plan for the Sport Ireland Campus, which also houses the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. The campus is a key element of Sport Ireland’s Masterplan Vision for national sports infrastructure.
Cricket Ireland’s strategy sees the high‑performance centre as a training, coaching and medical hub for national teams and players at all levels. The facility will also play a pivotal role in Ireland’s bid to co‑host the 2030 T20 World Cup, a tournament that will be shared with England and Scotland. The new centre will meet international standards and provide a venue that can host the world’s best.
A 2023 report by the Irish Independent projected that the project would generate a €93 million tourism dividend over five years.
As construction progresses, Cricket Ireland and Sport Ireland are coordinating the timeline with the 2030 World Cup schedule. The first phase is slated for completion in time for the tournament, with the second phase to follow.
Beyond international events, the NCC will serve as a community hub, offering facilities for local clubs and schools. The high‑performance centre will feature state‑of‑the‑art training equipment, a fitness suite and a physiotherapy clinic.
In summary, the National Cricket Centre marks a significant investment in Irish cricket infrastructure. The first phase will deliver a main field, a 4,240‑seat bowl, a high‑performance centre and a player and match‑official building, along with supporting infrastructure and parking. The project is led by John Sisk & Son and is part of a two‑phase plan that will ultimately provide a venue capable of hosting the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and other international events. Construction has begun, and the next steps involve completing the initial phase and moving into the second phase of development.
