THE COMPANY BEHIND plans for Ireland’s first dedicated multipurpose Winter sports arena has secured endorsements from Dublin Chamber, Tourism Ireland and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as it prepares to submit a planning application later this summer.

Prime Arena, which is proposed for Cherrywood in south Dublin, says the latest backing marks another milestone as it continues discussions with government over grant funding for the project.

If built, the €190 million development would become Ireland’s first permanent Olympic-standard winter sports venue, while also hosting concerts, conferences and major international sporting events.

The company says the arena would attract more than 1.3 million visitors annually and act as a major tourism and economic driver.

The site is being designed by Populous, a sports architecture firm who previously created the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and the Sphere in Las Vegas.

John O’Toole, Head of Economic Development at Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, described the proposal as “transformational”.

“The potential to have Ireland’s first dedicated winter sports and entertainment arena earmarked for development in Cherrywood is transformational,” O’Toole said.

“Once constructed, it will contribute significantly to our ambitions across sport, tourism and culture, supporting further economic growth and opportunity throughout Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the wider region.”

Dublin Chamber chief executive Mary Rose Burke said the development had the potential to provide “a significant and lasting boost” to Dublin’s economy by supporting businesses across hospitality, tourism and retail.

“The project has the potential to become one of the most transformative entertainment and tourism developments delivered in the State in recent years,” Burke said.

Tourism Ireland chief executive Alice Mansergh said the arena would create opportunities to attract overseas visitors by hosting major sporting events, concerts, conferences and exhibitions.

The project had already secured the backing of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, which last year described the proposal as a “step-change” for winter sports in Ireland.

Prime Arena Holdings has said the venue would include two Olympic-sized ice rinks alongside an arena capable of accommodating more than 8,000 people, rising to 10,500 for concerts and other large-scale events.

Planning documents are expected to be lodged in the coming weeks.