DUBLIN VELODROME: CONSTRUCTION FINALLY STARTS

4 February 2026: Construction work has officially begun on a new indoor velodrome in Dublin, marking a major milestone for Irish cycling after years of planning, discussion and delays. The project represents a significant step forward in the development of track cycling infrastructure in Ireland and is expected to have long-term benefits for athlete development and participation.

The velodrome is being built at the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown, a location already home to several high-performance sporting facilities. Once completed, it will become Ireland’s first permanent indoor velodrome, providing year-round access to track cycling in controlled conditions.

According to reporting by StickyBottle, early construction activity is now visible on site, with groundwork and structural development underway. Video footage shared alongside the report shows progress beginning to take shape, confirming that the project has moved from planning into physical delivery.

The new velodrome is intended to support a wide range of users, from grassroots riders and club programmes through to elite and high-performance athletes. Irish Cycling has long identified the lack of an indoor track as a limiting factor in the development of sprint and endurance track disciplines, forcing riders to travel abroad for regular access to suitable facilities.

In addition to athlete development, the venue is expected to play a role in coaching education, talent identification and hosting domestic and international competitions. An indoor velodrome would also allow Ireland to stage UCI-sanctioned track events in the future, something that has not been possible without a permanent facility.

The project has faced a lengthy gestation period, with funding approvals, design stages and political processes contributing to delays in previous years. The start of construction therefore represents a tangible breakthrough after sustained advocacy from within the Irish cycling community.

Once operational, the Dublin velodrome is expected to align Ireland more closely with other European nations that benefit from permanent indoor track facilities. Countries with established velodromes have consistently demonstrated stronger pathways into Olympic and World Championship track cycling, particularly in sprint events that require regular access to specialist tracks.

The development also carries broader significance beyond elite sport. Indoor velodromes often act as hubs for community engagement, youth programmes and recreational cycling, helping to grow participation and visibility of the discipline.

While no confirmed completion date has yet been announced publicly, the commencement of construction provides renewed momentum and optimism around the project. Stakeholders will now be watching closely as the build progresses through its next phases.

For Irish cycling, the start of construction signals the beginning of a long-awaited new chapter. The Dublin velodrome has the potential to transform the country’s track cycling landscape, reduce reliance on overseas facilities, and provide a permanent home for the discipline at both grassroots and elite levels.

This article is an independent summary of reporting originally published by Sticky Bottle.

Original source:
Sticky Bottle, 4 February 2026