Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, attended the official topping-out at the RDS on 25 March, marking completion of the new Anglesea Stand structure.

The project has secured €15 million in State support through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).

Backed by the LSSIF, the scheme involves demolishing the existing Anglesea Stand and Terrace and constructing a new stand, alongside works on the south stand (Grandstand). These include partial removal and replacement of the scaffold to insert a single-storey, 439 sq m structure housing home and away players’ facilities, media, medical and officials’ areas, ancillary plant and storage, plus a vomitory for pitch access and associated site services such as drainage.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, said: "The Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund was established by my Department to drive forward projects of real scale and national importance. As Minister, I'm very conscious of my responsibility for directing public investment, and the need to ensure it delivers real, lasting impact.

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"The Laya Arena is exactly the kind of ambitious project these funds are designed to support. Reaching its peak height today is a clear and visible sign of that investment being delivered.

"This is about more than a single development. It is about putting in place the infrastructure Ireland needs to compete for major international events, while also creating lasting value for communities at home. It shows what can be achieved when the Government and the private sector work together with purpose and a shared vision for the future of Irish sport."

Minister McConalogue added: "This marks an important milestone in this project as we celebrate the topping out of this development in the RDS. It stands as a testament to the vision, collaboration and hard work of everyone involved, from the planners and designers, to engineers and construction team. This achievement is not just about reaching the highest point of this structure but about the progress we are making in delivering spaces that will serve our communities, support our economy and reflect our ambitions for the future. I am particularly pleased that this project has been supported by €15m in funding under the LSSIF, demonstrating Governments strong commitment to world class facilities. I commend all of those who have contributed to bringing this project to this stage and look forward to its successful completion."

Established under the 2018 National Sports Policy, the LSSIF funds larger sports projects requiring Exchequer support beyond the Community Sport Facilities Fund. Across the 2018 and 2024 rounds, €297 million has been allocated to 68 large-scale projects.