Ireland has moved a step closer to cementing its place on the global cricket stage as Sport Ireland officially launched a €35 million tender for the development of the country’s first purpose-built national cricket stadium. The project is strategically timed to support Ireland’s co-hosting duties for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030, alongside England and Scotland.
National Cricket Centre to anchor Irish cricket growth
The new facility will be located at the Sport Ireland campus in Blanchardstown, Dublin, and will form the core of the National Cricket Centre. Designed to meet full International Cricket Council (ICC) standards, it will become the permanent home for international and domestic cricket in Ireland.
First major cricket tournament in Ireland since 1999
The 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be the first major global cricket event in Ireland since the country hosted three World Cup matches in 1999. Ireland is expected to host up to eight fixtures during the tournament, making the new stadium crucial for delivering a top-tier experience for players, fans, and broadcasters.
To meet ICC standards, the stadium must accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. The current tender covers 4,240 permanent seats with modular expansion capacity for larger events.
Construction timeline driven by 2030 deadline
The tender outlines an aggressive construction schedule. The winning contractor is expected to begin work by March 2026, following a February contract award. The central wicket must be ready by September 2026 to allow for a year of grass establishment. The initial construction phase, including the main oval, seating bowl, and essential amenities, is scheduled for completion by March 2028.
A second phase will include a high-performance centre and permanent pavilion. According to the tender, missing the March 2027 milestone could jeopardize the timeline for completing the pavilion, which is essential for World Cup hosting duties.
Generational investment for Irish cricket
Beyond the 2030 World Cup, the stadium is envisioned as a long-term investment in Ireland’s cricketing infrastructure. It will support Cricket Ireland’s efforts across elite, domestic, and grassroots levels. Stakeholders across sport and government have welcomed the project, with Cricket Ireland calling it a “generational investment” that will anchor the sport’s future growth in the country.
