Dundalk IT Sports Arena finally opens its doors

What the new Dundalk IT Sports Arena will look like when fully operational

The Dundalk IT Sports Arena opened its doors for the first time on Monday.

The former JJB Complex at Dundalk Retail Park had been purchased by the college in December 2013 with plans to open it last September delayed until now.

The facility is being co-funded by students at the college, who will each pay a €125 levy each year towards it.

While the sports arena will not be fully operational until the summer, the eight five-a-side football pitches are now in use as well as a large training area, which is made up of three more pitches.

The facility will be opened to the public in the summer, by which stage the arena will have the swimming pool, steam rooms, jacuzzis and gym all in operation.

Dundalk IT submit planning application to convert from JJB complex into sports education centre

What the new facility could look like

Dundalk IT have submitted a planning application to Louth County Council to convert the former JJB complex at Bothar na Feirme into a sports and education centre.

The college hope to change the existing retail area at the first floor level into an area equipped for sports educational and training purposes. They also hope to use it as an exam hall when they see fit.

Meanwhile, the existing playing pitch area and associated changing area at the ground floor level will also be used for sports education and training uses, as well as as an exam hall.

The proposed development will also consist of a new pedestrian access point of Bothar na Feirme, the removal of an existing vehicular access along the western boundary, the reduction of 79 car parking spaces and the reconfiguration of the existing car park layout. There would also be a repositioning of the existing bus lay-by to provide for a dedicated cycle parking area, as well as elevational changes to include the erection of four new fascia signs.

It is also hoped to construct a new boundary wall to the north and west, in addition to landscaping and all site development works.

A decision on the matter is due to be made by January 6^th.