Building work has started on the National Indoor Arena at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, turned the first sod at the site today, 17 July.

Minister Donohoe said: "Long considered to be the missing piece in our national sporting infrastructure, I am delighted that the construction of the National Indoor Arena has now commenced and I look forward to seeing these works progress over the coming months. The development of the National Indoor Arena is very significant and will provide world-class indoor training facilities in which Irish athletes can train and prepare for international competitions. The Arena, which is due for completion in November 2016, will consist of three main indoor training centres:

-- Advertisement --

• A National Indoor Athletics Training Centre, which will include a 200 metre track, sprint track, jump and throw areas and seating for up to 1,900 spectators

• A National Indoor Training Centre designed to cater for a wide range of sports

• A National Gymnastics Training Centre.

"As one of the largest development projects of its kind in the country, this investment by the State will provide a variety of disciplines with the opportunity to showcase their sports and to host regional and national competitions in first-class settings. It will also fuel job creation with 250 jobs expected during construction stage."

(CD)