Ireland's first indoor tennis arena to open in Dundalk

Ireland's first indoor tennis arena is due to open over the summer at the site of the former home of the Dundalk Bulls ice hockey team.

Dundalk Ice Dome, which has been vacant for more than ten years, will be turned into a state-of the art indoor tennis arena.

The project is being realised through a 20-year tenancy with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT).

Former Irish Davis Cup player and current Tennis Leinster Performance Director John McGahon said the project has been a "labour of love".

He added: "It's about giving young players the opportunities many never had - year-round access to world-class facilities".

Tennis Ireland CEO Kevin Quinn described the project as a landmark moment for Irish tennis.

(L-R) David Spillane Tennis Leinster, Letty Lucas President Tennis Ireland, Kevin Quinn CEO Tennis Ireland, Irene McCausland DKIT, Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan President DKIT, Deirdre Brady President Tennis Leinster, John McGahon Tennis Leinster Performance

The Dundalk Tennis Arena will feature four tennis courts with advanced surfaces for both professional and recreational play; built-in spectator seating and training facilities for players of all ages and abilities.

DKIT President Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan said the college was "delighted to support Tennis Ireland" in its ambitions to develop the indoor venue.

He said that leasing DKIT’s facilities "underlines our commitment to promoting health, wellness and community engagement".

As well as hosting regional and national competitions, the new facility will also serve as a hub for tennis development programmes, national training camps and community and school engagement initiatives.

The arena is due to open this summer.

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