A new dawn for Irish cycling arrived Wednesday.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan turned the first sod, marking construction of the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown.

Minister O’Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue joined officials for the groundbreaking.

CEO of Sport Ireland Dr Una May attended. So did CEO of Cycling Ireland James Quilligan and President Ciaran Cannon.

Mayor of Fingal Councillor Tom O’Leary was on hand. Representatives from Walls Construction also attended the ceremony.

The €100 million venue will provide both sports with a state-of-the-art facility. Both are seeing substantial growth across the island of Ireland.

Current Track World Champion Lara Gillespie attended the historic occasion. Former Track World Champion Martyn Irvine also came to mark the moment.

Their success has helped grow track cycling in Ireland. The velodrome will let current and future athletes train at home.

The indoor velodrome will be Ireland’s first. It will benefit people of all ages and abilities. From first-timers to Olympic athletes, everyone can use it.

The facility will get more people physically active. It provides a safe environment for cycling. This will grow participation in all disciplines.

Programs will range from balance bikes for Under 6s to sessions for adults over 65. Everyone in between is welcome too.

Cycling Ireland President Ciaran Cannon welcomed the news. “Today marks a truly historic moment for Irish sport,” he said.

“The Government’s €100 million investment is a game-changer. This facility will nurture the next generation of elite cyclists.”

He said it will also open doors for thousands at grassroots level. They can discover cycling in a safe, world-class environment.

Cannon pointed to Britain’s Manchester velodrome as an example. It transformed British cycling completely.

It produced Olympic and world champions. It also became a hub for local clubs and schools.

“Ireland now has the same opportunity,” Cannon said. The facility can build excellence while making cycling more accessible.

“We thank our Government Ministers and Sport Ireland,” he added. “Their vision ensures lasting benefits for athletes and communities.”

James Quilligan, Cycling Ireland CEO, praised the announcement. “We look forward to working with Sport Ireland and Badminton Ireland,” he said.

“This facility will inspire young riders. It will support our clubs. It provides a pathway from grassroots to international success.”

The facility features a unique design. The track sits above the infield level. This allows cycling and badminton to operate simultaneously.

Dr. Una May explained the “double D” design. One end serves the high-performance team. The other serves community users.

Construction begins immediately after Christmas. Completion is expected by 2028.

The venue will include a 250-meter cycle track. It will have 12 badminton courts and spectator seating.

Minister McConalogue emphasized the importance for athletes. “Track cyclists had to go abroad for training previously,” he said. “That’s not a recipe for excellence.”

The project faced multiple delays since initial plans. In 2022, construction was scheduled for 2023. The original budget was €60 million.

The design proved complex. Only four or five track designers exist worldwide, Dr. May noted.

Ireland has achieved incredible success despite lacking an indoor facility. The new velodrome changes everything for Irish cycling.