Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue has hailed the redevelopment of the Laya Arena at the RDS as a major step forward for Irish sporting infrastructure, following the topping out of the new Anglesea Stand structure.
The ceremony, held yesterday at the venue, marks the completion of the highest point of the new stand, a key milestone in a project supported by €15 million in State funding through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The topping out coincides with a significant construction achievement, with the roof now installed on the new €59 million stand at what will be known as the Laya Arena. The project has progressed through months of intensive structural works, bringing the development to a highly visible stage.
Attention now turns to the internal fit-out of the three-storey stand, alongside the installation of 6,775 seats ahead of its planned debut on August 5th for the opening day of the Dublin Horse Show.
“There’s a very busy construction schedule ahead,” said RDS CEO Paul kelly, speaking in today’s Irish Times. “We’re moving into a phase where there will be a huge amount of work going on that’s not very visible because it’s internal,” he said. “There’s a huge amount that still needs to be done but we’re on budget and we’re on schedule and we’re very excited that we’ll have it open for the horse show.”
The redevelopment project has seen the demolition of the original Anglesea Stand and terrace, replaced by a modern facility designed to meet the demands of elite sport and major event hosting.
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Works also include upgrades to the South Stand, incorporating new player, media, medical and officials’ facilities, alongside wider site improvements.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan positioned the development as a flagship example of the Government’s long-term strategy for sport.
“This is about putting in place the infrastructure Ireland needs to compete for major international events, while also creating lasting value for communities at home,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, the redevelopment is expected to significantly enhance the commercial and spectator offering at the venue. The addition of modern hospitality suites is set to increase the appeal of the stadium for promoters, enabling premium ticket offerings and improved matchday and event experiences.
Under a 10-year naming rights agreement, the venue will operate as the Laya Arena, while Leinster Rugby has secured a 25-year deal to continue hosting home fixtures at the ground, with a return scheduled for September.
The RDS redevelopment is central to Dublin’s ambition to strengthen its position as a host city for major sporting and entertainment events. The combination of public investment and private partnership reflects a broader shift towards delivering multi-purpose, commercially sustainable venues.
McConalogue described the milestone as a reflection of that collaborative effort.
“This achievement is not just about reaching the highest point of this structure but about the progress we are making in delivering spaces that will serve our communities, support our economy and reflect our ambitions for the future,” he said.
With the structure now complete and internal works underway, the countdown begins towards a landmark summer opening that will showcase one of Ireland’s most significant recent investments in sporting infrastructure.
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Image Credit: RDS and Inpho.ie
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