The first sod was turned today on Phase Two of the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown.

The GAA’s National Games Development Centre was opened in Abbotstown last year, and Phase Two will see the construction of an indoor synthetic Gaelic Games pitch as well as ancillary facilities including changing rooms, offices and meetings rooms.

“The first class GAA facilities located at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus have been a wonderful addition to the opportunities to grow and develop Gaelic games,” said GAA Ard Stiúrthóir, Páraic Duffy.

“Since opening last year, our National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown has been a hive of activity at club, school and county level.

“The GAA warmly welcomes the news about the commencement of Phase Two of the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena and the exciting development that will feature the construction of an indoor synthetic pitch capable of accommodating Gaelic games.”

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD said: "The commencement of Phase Two is a significant development for the Irish sporting landscape with the world-class facilities set to further benefit our elite athletes and teams, as well as providing more opportunities for people of all levels to engage in sport.”

Welcoming the development Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, said: “The completion of the Sport Ireland National Arena is a welcome development for sport in Ireland.

"The Arena is co-located with the Sport Ireland Institute and outdoor training facilities meaning the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus will be a one-stop-shop for our international athletes and elite teams, as well as providing opportunities for grassroots clubs and the local community.

"I would like to thank Minister Ross and the officials of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for their support for this project which will no doubt have a measurable impact on Irish sport.”