The landmark development of Ireland’s first indoor velodrome reached a major milestone today as Ministers and sporting leaders turned the sod on the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre (NVBC). The event marks the official start of construction for the transformative facility on the Sport Ireland Campus.
A World-Class Hub for High Performance and Participation
The NVBC, the first major project under the Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan, will house a 250-metre indoor cycling track and 12 badminton courts within its infield, with seating for 1,000 spectators. Designed by award-winning architects FaulknerBrowns in collaboration with Sport Ireland, the centre will provide a permanent high-performance home for Cycling Ireland and Badminton Ireland. Construction is scheduled for approximately two years, with an anticipated opening by mid-2028.
Strategic Support for Athletes and Communities
The facility is a critical component of Sport Ireland’s High-Performance Strategy 2021–2032, designed to close key infrastructure gaps and provide a world-class daily training environment. It will enable Ireland to host international track cycling championships and serve as a central hub for badminton. Located near Dublin Airport, the NVBC is poised to become a leading national and international destination for both sports.
The development also aims to build on significant national participation trends. Sport Ireland’s Irish Sports Monitor records 49% of the population now engaging in sport weekly—the highest level ever—and the NVBC is expected to support the National Sports Policy 2018–2027 target of reaching 50% participation.
Official Statements
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said: “I am delighted to be at the Sport Ireland Campus today to break ground for the construction of the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. As the first large-scale project to be delivered under the Sport Ireland Masterplan, the NVBC will be a significant step forward in the development of Ireland’s sporting infrastructure. It will play a crucial role in supporting high-performance athletes as they prepare for major competitions, while also promoting broader participation in sport across all levels for years to come. This project demonstrates the Government’s long-term vision for the Campus as a world-class hub for high performance, development, and participation. We look forward to the NVBC delivering lasting impact for Irish athletes and communities alike.”
Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, said: “The development of the NVBC exemplifies what can be achieved through strategic investment and collaboration across the sport sector. It will play a crucial role in providing state-of-the-art sporting facilities that will afford our athletes the opportunity to train in Ireland, which will no doubt have a positive effect on future international performance levels in both cycling and badminton. By providing consistent access to high-quality facilities, it will also play a key role in connecting with the wider sporting community and creating new opportunities for growth, inclusion, and excellence for the next generation of Irish athletes.”
John Foley, Chairperson of Sport Ireland, said: “I am very proud of all the work that has been done to get the project to this point. The NVBC will play a key role in supporting our vision for the Campus. This is truly a significant moment for the entire sports sector. I would like to thank the Government for its support for this project.”
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “Today is a really significant milestone for Irish sport. The development of the NVBC is a major investment in the future of high-performance and participation sport in Ireland. This world-class facility is going to provide athletes with Cycling Ireland and Badminton Ireland the environment they need to train, compete, and excel on the international stage. It will also open new pathways for people of all ages and abilities to get involved. We’re absolutely delighted to see the project move forward. All of us at Sport Ireland look forward to seeing its impact across both cycling and badminton in the years ahead.”
Tony Lawless, Sport Ireland Development Director, said: “The NVBC will be the first major project to be delivered under Sport Ireland’s new masterplan and will be transformational for the Campus as well as high-performance and participation. This is the first of several new projects planned to be delivered over the next decade.”
