DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland could soon have its first dedicated winter sports and entertainment arena, with plans for a 5,000-seater venue in Cherrywood set to be submitted for planning approval later this year.

The project aims to establish a national hub for winter sports and live entertainment and could become home to Dublin's first professional ice hockey team. Backers of the plan estimate the facility would generate over 230 million euros in annual socio-economic benefits.

"This is a defining moment," said Dermot Rigley, CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, the company leading the initiative. "Since 2021, we've been working quietly but relentlessly with an incredible team to bring this vision to life – and today, we're proud to finally share it with the Irish public."

Rigley emphasized the broader impact of the venue, highlighting plans to open up access to winter sports, support elite athletes, and position Ireland to host major international events. "With the support of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Hines, we are building more than an arena – we are creating a national landmark," he said.

Tom Kennedy, chairman of Prime Arena Holdings, described the project as a long-term investment in the country's sporting and cultural future. "This is not just an investment in infrastructure – it is a legacy for generations," he said. "We are deeply grateful to our incredible investor group and project team, whose belief and commitment have made this moment possible."

Local government officials have welcomed the plans. Jim O'Leary, cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said the proposed arena would significantly support the area's economic, cultural, and sporting ambitions.

"This transformational arena will contribute significantly to our corporate goals in realizing our sports, tourism, and cultural ambitions and in supporting further economic growth and opportunities in our county for all who live, work, and visit Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the wider region," he said.

If approved, the Cherrywood venue will be the first purpose-built winter sports arena in the country. It will address a long-standing gap in Ireland's sports infrastructure and potentially bring a new dimension to the capital's entertainment and event landscape.