Basketball chiefs admit Fund rejection will delay stadium redevelopment

TALLAGHT THEATRE: Dublin's National Basketball Arena. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Basketball Ireland chiefs have expressed disappointed at being overlooked for a Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) allocation towards the redevelopment of the National Basketball Arena. CEO John Feehan says the setback will force them to "adjust the timeline" for the start of the works at the Tallaght facility.

However Deehan says BI remain committed to the €38m project. Basketball Ireland has already secured planning permission and had hoped to start building the multi-sport and multi-use Arena in 2026.

Feehan said: “When it comes to major projects there will be hurdles along the way, however we are still committed to redeveloping the National Basketball Arena, with planning permission already in place. We will be working with Government and other stakeholders to bring this fruition as soon as possible. This may be through the Department’s LSSIF reserve project list, the next round of LSSIF, or indeed other funding avenues."

The new Arena would double capacity to 3,272 and house four courts, a gym, café, corporate facilities and office space. It has the backing of a number of other sporting organisations, such as Badminton Ireland, Squash Ireland and Volleyball Ireland.

Added Basketball Ireland chairperson, Prof. Seamas Donnelly: “A redeveloped Arena will be transformative for Irish indoor sport overall and provide an essential facility at a local, national and international level. Basketball is growing at such a pace – our registered playing membership is up 21.5% in the last year alone – so having a purpose built best-in-class facility is crucial to the continued development and growth of the sport."