The Role of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) in Irish Stadium Development
In recent years, Ireland has placed increasing emphasis on the development of its national sports infrastructure through targeted public investment. Central to this effort is the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), a government-backed funding programme aimed at supporting substantial sporting projects that serve regional or national needs. Managed by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the LSSIF is designed to complement local funding schemes by focusing on large, capital-intensive initiatives—particularly those related to high-performance sport, major spectator venues, and community-accessible facilities.
The fund has played a notable role in enabling the redevelopment and modernisation of stadiums used by clubs in Ireland’s top-tier football and rugby clubs. Through multi-million euro allocations, the LSSIF has helped facilitate upgrades to several prominent venues, ensuring they meet modern standards for capacity, safety, accessibility, and multifunctional use. These projects not only serve elite-level athletes and supporters but also contribute to broader community engagement and urban regeneration efforts.
In its latest investment round in 2024, the Irish government announced €120 million in LSSIF funding, reinforcing its commitment to growing high-quality sports infrastructure across the country. This funding round supports a broad spectrum of developments in League of Ireland premier division and the Irish teams in the United Rugby Championship, this introduction sets the context for understanding how national policy and funding mechanisms are shaping the future of sports infrastructure in Ireland.
The Structure of Professional Football and Rugby in Ireland
Ireland’s professional rugby and football landscapes differ significantly in terms of structure and audience reach. In rugby, the country is represented by four provincial teams—Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster—which compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC). This cross-border league includes teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales, and is considered one of the top professional rugby competitions in Europe alongside England’s Premiership Rugby and France’s Top 14. Ireland does not have a standalone domestic professional rugby league.
The URC attracts strong support in Ireland, with the four Irish teams averaging approximately 16,330 spectators per match. Leinster leads in attendance, averaging around 30,000 fans, highlighting rugby’s significant following in the country.
In contrast, professional football in Ireland is organised as a national league system. The League of Ireland Premier Division, the top tier, features 10 clubs. While football has historically drawn smaller crowds than rugby, average attendances have grown in recent years. As of the most recent seasons, the league averages around 3,500 spectators per game—more than double the figure from 2016—reflecting a trend of rising interest and engagement.
Stadium Development in Irish Football and Rugby
Ireland is currently experiencing a period of notable activity in stadium development, with multiple projects underway across both football and rugby. Within football, three new stadium projects are in progress, two of which are receiving financial support from the government’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Bohemian FC and Sligo Rovers FC have secured allocations of approximately €24.7 million and €16.4 million respectively toward their redevelopment plans. Drogheda United FC is also advancing plans for a new stadium, with proposals including a 4,500-seat facility, two full-size training pitches, and designated fan zones.
Elsewhere, Galway United FC is developing a new training facility in partnership with Athenry Swans Hockey Club. Designed with flexibility in mind, the facility is intended to support multiple sports and contribute to the creation of a High-Performance Hub for athletes across various disciplines.
Stadium upgrades are also underway at Shelbourne FC and Derry City FC. Shelbourne’s project will see an increase in capacity by 1,000 spectators, along with the installation of safe standing areas. Derry City has recently completed construction of a new north stand, which is currently in a test phase.
In rugby, two major development projects are ongoing. Leinster Rugby has launched a €52 million redevelopment plan, which commenced in late 2024 and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Meanwhile, Connacht Rugby is engaged in a three-phase project at the Dexcom Stadium. This includes improvements to the stadium itself, as well as the construction of a new high-performance training centre.
|
Club Name |
Project type |
Future Capacity |
Phase |
Estimated Cost |
Start date |
End date |
|
Drogheda United FC |
New Stadium |
4.500 |
Design |
? |
2025 |
? |
|
Galway United FC |
New training centre |
/ |
Design |
? |
? |
? |
|
Shelbourne FC |
Renovation |
5.750 |
Realisation |
? |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Bohemian FC |
New Stadium |
8.034 |
Design |
€42 Mio |
2026 |
2027 |
|
Sligo Rovers FC |
New stadium |
6.129 |
Design |
€17 Mio |
2026 |
2028 |
|
Leinster Rugby |
Renovation |
20.600 |
Realisation |
€52 Mio |
2024 |
2026 |
|
Connacht Rugby |
Renovation + New training centre |
12.000 |
Realisation |
€30 Mio |
2022 |
2026 |
3 projects highlights
Redevelopment of Dalymount Park Moves Forward with Approved Plans
Planning permission has officially been granted by Dublin City Council for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park, marking a major milestone in the long-anticipated transformation of one of Irish football’s most historic venues.
Located in the Phibsborough area of Dublin, Dalymount Park has served as the home of Bohemian FC and holds a prominent place in the history of Irish football. The approved plans will see the stadium reimagined as a modern municipal facility with a capacity of approximately 8,034.
The redevelopment will feature a full reorientation of the pitch to a north-south alignment, measuring 105 metres by 68 metres, with a new sand-based grass surface. The project includes the construction of two seated stands on the east and west sides of the ground, offering around 6,240 seats, while terraced areas to the north and south will accommodate approximately 1,794 standing spectators.
Beyond the core matchday features, the development aims to enhance community access and functionality. A two-storey, 585-square-metre community centre is part of the design, comprising a multi-functional space and gym facilities. The plans also include a new public thoroughfare connecting North Circular Road and Connaught Street, featuring retail units, a public plaza, and café amenities to activate the area on non-matchdays.
Project management is being overseen by Cogent Associates, and the stadium will be delivered as a four-sided venue that retains the identity of the original ground while meeting modern standards for safety, accessibility, and fan experience.
This redevelopment is expected to significantly improve the infrastructure for both Bohemian FC and the broader Dublin community, aligning with the city’s goals for inclusive, multifunctional urban development.
RDS Arena Undergoing €50 Million Redevelopment to Expand Capacity for Leinster Rugby
The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), owner of the RDS Arena, has begun the redevelopment of the stadium at the end of 2024. It is the Home to Leinster Rugby. The €50 million (£42.8m/$52.7m) project, funded by the RDS, the Irish government, and private investors, aims to increase the stadium’s capacity from 18,500 to 21,500.
As part of the ongoing redevelopment, the existing Anglesea Stand, which has stood for nearly a century, along with the Anglesea Terrace, are being demolished. In their place, a new 6,775-capacity stand is being constructed, alongside a two-storey hospitality and services building and a new club shop.
The project follows the lapse of a previous planning application from 2018, with the current development receiving fresh planning approval. Leinster Rugby has expressed strong support for the project, with a club spokesperson noting: “Leinster Rugby can confirm that the RDS applied for planning permission for the regeneration of its Arena in June. We look forward to supporting the RDS in achieving its ambition to create a world-class multi-purpose arena for excellence in sports and entertainment.”
Additionally, Leinster Rugby has signed a new agreement to remain at the RDS Arena for the next 25 years. Leinster has played at the venue since 2005, following their move from Donnybrook Stadium. The RDS Arena has hosted the majority of their home matches since 2007, with some select high-profile games also played at the larger Aviva Stadium.
Connacht Rugby’s Dexcom Stadium Redevelopment
Connacht Rugby’s redevelopment of Dexcom Stadium, which began in 2022, is set to be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season. The ambitious project is designed to transform the venue into a modern, state-of-the-art rugby stadium, complete with upgraded facilities and a brand-new High Performance Centre (HPC).
The first phase of the redevelopment was completed in November 2022 and included the installation of a new synthetic playing surface and LED floodlights. The upgraded pitch debuted during Connacht’s home game against Munster, enhancing the stadium’s ability to host more fixtures throughout the year. The improved floodlighting also significantly boosts the match-day experience for both players and supporters.
Phase two included the construction of the High Performance Centre which began in March 2024 and was completed in April 2025. This world-class facility features a half-size indoor pitch and modern training facilities, providing Connacht’s players and staff with an elite workday environment.
In parallel, construction is continuing in the new North Stand, which will offer seating for more than 7,000 spectators, as well as hospitality suites, a café, and an innovative ‘tunnel club’ experience for fans. To accommodate this addition, the Clan Terrace and Clubhouse was demolished in June 2024. The North Stand is scheduled to open in time in December 2025.
Once completed, the redevelopment will establish Dexcom Stadium as a premier destination for rugby in the west of Ireland, offering an enhanced experience for players, staff, and supporters alike.
Expert opinion: Future of Irish stadium development
John Cantwell – ESSMA Board Member & Stadium Director at Thomond Park
“I have been involved in stadium management for 17 years, since Thomond Park Stadium, the home of Munster Rugby was redeveloped in 2008. Located in Limerick in the mid-west region of Ireland, Thomond Park is a provincial stadium with an international reputation. Our new redeveloped stadium was akin to Disneyland for our supporters at that time, with electronic turnstiles, shiny seats, multiple food & beverage concessions, and proper toilets!
Since 2008, there has been a small number of new builds completed, namely the Aviva Stadium and Tallaght Stadium, both in Dublin and Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. There has also been a number of redevelopments at Kingspan Stadium and Windsor Park both in Belfast, and Munster Rugby’s other fine venue Virgin Media Park in Cork.
It is fantastic to see the planned new developments for a number of football clubs in the League of Ireland and the almost completed projects at RDS Arena for Leinster Rugby and Dexcom Stadium for Connacht Rugby. These new projects are badly needed and long overdue.
What strikes me however is the almost total reliance on public funding to complete these projects, in particular from the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. Whilst this Fund plays a very important role in the funding model, it restricts the project to a sport only development.
I believe the future approach for stadia development in Ireland should focus on the stadium being a key part of a mixed-use development incorporating elements such as a residential, multi-purpose events centre, hotel, retail, and community hub facilities. These precinct type developments are now becoming more commonplace in the UK, Europe, and the US. The mixed-use model drives revenue 7 days a week and creates a sustainable commercial model that a stand-alone stadium just cannot deliver. These developments also optimise land use and create vibrant and economically stable communities.
The key to funding these mixed-use models is to explore public/private funding partnerships and collaborations that will deliver this common goal.”
