Topping Out Ceremony at RDS

• Minister McConalogue in attendance at RDS Topping Out ceremony to mark completion of the new Anglesea Stand Structure
• RDS received €15m in state funding under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF)
• LSSIF-backed project includes construction of new stand to replace existing Anglesea Stand & upgrades to South Stand

Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, today (25 March) welcomed the official topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the new Anglesea Stand structure at the RDS.

Support for this project, totaling €15m has been provided by the Department under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).

The LSSIF-backed project includes the demolition of the existing Anglesea Stand and Terrace and construction of a new stand. The proposal will also comprise of partial removal and replacement of the south stand scaffold to allow for the insertion and construction of a single-storey structure to accommodate home and away players' facilities, media, medical and official's facilities, ancillary plant and storage accommodation, a vomitory to access the pitch; and all associated site development works including drainage and other site services.

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."

“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.”

Notes for Editors:

Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF);

The National Sports Policy, published in 2018, provided for a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the LSSIF is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports projects and facilities where the required Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF).

The cumulative investment over the first two LSSIF rounds (2018 and 2024) stands at €297 million, with funding allocations provided to a total of 68 large-scale projects.

LSSIF Project Brief

• The overall project includes the demolition of the existing Anglesea Stand and Terrace and construction of a new Stand.
• The new Stand will have capacity for c.6,775 people and associated functions all within an improved campus setting including associated landscaping. It will include the relocation of players' changing rooms and facilities from the existing Anglesea stand to the south stand, also known as the Grandstand.
• The proposal for the south stand will also comprise partial removal and replacement of the stand scaffold to allow for the insertion and construction of a single-storey structure (gross floor area 439sq.m) to accommodate home and away players' facilities, media, medical and official's facilities, ancillary plant and storage accommodation, a vomitory to access the pitch; and all associated site development works including drainage and other site services.
• The venue will serve as a multi-purpose destination for sport in Ireland while meeting the needs of Leinster Rugby and the Dublin Horse Show.