Project Update:
Work is continuing at present on a new €13 million indoor sports arena in Athlone.
This new six-lane indoor athletics track will become the only IAAF approved facility in the Republic. According to Athletics Ireland, the indoor athletics track and field auditorium comprises a 200m-banked running track, spectator seating for 1,500 persons, as well as an elevated athlete warm-up area with an 80m sprint track.
The separate multipurpose indoor sports auditorium will cater for basketball, futsal; as well as volleyball, badminton and multiple other sports. It too will have spectator seating for 1,500 persons, which can be increased to 3,500 spectators in concert setting.
The building incorporates all accepted passive and sustainable technology, including a rainwater harvesting system supplied by RHI Water Ltd and high degrees of insulation. The main athletics arena is naturally lit to reduce running costs, with lights used rarely.
The auditoria are naturally ventilated, and the preferred ambient temperature of a sports centre – 16 degrees – facilitates the lowest possible energy use for a building of this type.
Great facility and glad to be part of it!