Proposed new public sports complex in Wicklow expected to cost up to €20m

The project is marked by long-standing community advocacy to address the lack of major sporting infrastructure in the west Wicklow region.

During the consultation phase for the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028, local groups including the Baltinglass Bulldogs Basketball Club and individual residents submitted formal requests to prioritise a multi-sport complex and swimming pool.

The local authority then commissioned a recreation and sports audit for the municipal district to assess the current provision of recreational, leisure and sporting facilities across the area and to identify future needs.

Some 86pc of participants in the audit said that lack of facilities was the main barrier to partaking in sport and recreation.

Recent public and club level consultations indicate significant demand for improved sports facilities within the wider area. The centre would be used by clubs from across west Wicklow alongside northeast Carlow and south Kildare.

Following recent public consultations and a feasibility study to showcase initial designs and gather community feedback to refine the project's scope, officials from McGarry Consulting and the Bulldogs Club updated local councillors on the how the project is progressing.

The plans include allocating space for an indoor multi-sport arena to accommodate a two-court layout for sports like basketball. It is intended to feature retractable seating to allow for a single tournament-standard court, along with accessible changing rooms and viewing areas.

The plans call for all-weather courts for basketball and tennis.

The project includes the development of a running and walking track for both structured club use and public access.

The facility is designed to provide a permanent home for local clubs—such as the Baltinglass Bulldogs Basketball Club—that currently operate without fixed premises.

It’s expected 250,000 users per year could use the facility with 100+ coaches and volunteers involved with its operations. The annual health benefits could be in the region of €1.85 million.

To give the project its best chance of succeeding, the consultants have advised Wicklow County Council of ensuring that an appropriate piece of land is zoned for recreational use, planning permission for the project is sought and a business case is prepared.

The consultants also advised council officials to consider applying for the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) to help cover the substantial costs that will be needed.

The timing of a further round of the LSSIF will depend on the necessary funding being made available. Wicklow failed to receive any of the €173 million allocated by the government during the last round in 2024.

Following the presentation, councillors voiced their widespread support for the project and how it is developing.

“This is a real project,” said Cllr Gerry O’Neill.

“There is a huge membership in the area that needs better facilities.”

Cllr Pat Mahon, despite being sceptical about whether funding could be secured, said it was important that the project team continues working to make sure it has its best chance of succeeding, a sentiment echoed by Cllr Patsy Glennon.

Cllr Jason Mullhall believes the high costs are justified based on the aims of the project.

“The west is falling behind and this complex will help address the growing need for facilities in the region. The previous swimming pool application shouldn’t be ignored, each application should be reviewed on its own merit.”

Cllr Avril Cronin praised the consultants for being realistic that this is a long-term project.

“I think it’s important to consider other funding sources alongside LSSIF. It is a costly project, but the west always seems to lose out in national investment, so I would suggest we keep pushing to progress these plans.”

When asked by the district engineers about the possibility of including a swimming pool as part of the plans, the consultants felt it may not fit their proposals.

In late 2024, a bid by the Pool for West Wicklow campaign group for government funding via the LSSIF was unsuccessful.

It was revealed in October 2025 that the application by Wicklow County Council was deemed ineligible because vital documentation, specifically proof of title for the proposed site, was not submitted to the Department of Sport.

The campaign group then called on the council to formally and publicly name the site for the development to ensure future applications are valid.

While the major complex is still in the early stages of planning, Wicklow TD Edward Timmins has repeatedly raised the lack of sports facilities in the Dáil.

In his latest contribution he called on minister of state Charlie McConalogue to provide funding to support the project.

“West Wicklow has nothing in the way of large sports facilities. This project, which is being promoted by a group of dedicated people, looks to correct this and I urge the Minister of State to support it.

“This project would also align with all the national policies that support balanced regional development, from the national planning framework to the Baltinglass town plan. The project is supported by Wicklow County Council and several local clubs and community groups in west Wicklow,” he added.

In response Mr McConalogue said he was open to providing support.

“I know this is a project the Deputy is clear is very much needed and is working closely with Wicklow County Council in relation to it. I am very open to continuing to work with him and are looking towards the next LSSIF round, that applications, such as for the sports centre he is working on, can be considered as part of that.

“I acknowledge the work and advocacy the Deputy is doing to try to address a real need within the community. From the Government's point of view, it is our objective to try to support the further development of facilities. We will work with the Deputy on that.”

Deputy Timmins believes the community have highlighted the need for this facility.

“Some 86pc of participants in the audit said that lack of facilities was the main barrier to partaking in sport and recreation. This would fill that gap. I also know that many clubs in the area have no home.

“This facility, which would be community based, would allow these clubs to have a home. This is especially true of the successful basketball club. It has members who come from all over west Wicklow and Kildare. West Wicklow has nothing in the way of large sports facilities.

“This project, which is being promoted by a group of dedicated people, looks to correct this and I urge the Minister of State to support it.” he added.

Concluding the discussion Mr McConalogue said he is listening to what Deputy Timmins is saying.

“I recognise the work of the county council in working with the group. The future provision of sporting facilities is something we want to see being done on a collaborative basis as much as possible, particularly with local authorities trying to bring sporting clubs together to ensure there is synergy in the utilisation of existing land and the investment in facilities.

“I acknowledge the merits of the project the Deputy is putting forward and we will work with him in relation to upcoming funding rounds to ensure it can be considered.” he added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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