Derry’s Planned Indoor Sports Arena Described as Unique for Northern Ireland

An upcoming indoor sports facility, slated for Ulster University’s (UU) Londonderry campus, has been characterized as “game-changing” for the city. This facility, known as UU’s Air Dome, is one of six “shared space” projects collectively receiving over €77m (£65m) in funding through the international PeacePlus programme. The structure will cover approximately 15,000 square metres (3.7 acres) on the former Foyle College grounds and will accommodate several thousand spectators. Ulster University stated that it represents “a first-of-its-scale facility for Northern Ireland”. The facility is designed to contain full-sized pitches suitable for various sports, such as rugby, soccer, and Gaelic games. Additionally, it is intended to serve as a venue for community gatherings and musical performances, according to the university. Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Ulster University’s provost, expressed enthusiasm about advancing the project. She stated: “This facility will be quite literally game-changing in terms of enhancing sporting and community facilities in the city and we are delighted to be expanding our offering for both our students and our neighbours in Derry-Londonderry.” The allocation of €10.86m (£9.05m) from the PeacePlus programme was confirmed earlier this week. The PeacePlus initiative receives joint backing from the European Union, the UK government, the Irish government, and Stormont. Ulster University committed to matching this funding. Its mandate involves investing in initiatives across Northern Ireland and its border counties, with the aim of fostering community cohesion and overcoming religious and political divisions. Among other recipients of funding from the programme is the Riverine Project, which aims to establish a 30-acre cross-border park connecting Strabane in Northern Ireland with Lifford in the Republic of Ireland. This project, allocated €16.7m (£13.9m), is set to feature a community heritage engagement programme and a culture and peace activity trail. Additionally, plans include a creative arts programme and a shared space connections project. Kieran Kennedy, who chairs the Strabane Business Improvement District, expressed optimism that work on the project could commence shortly. He informed BBC Radio Foyle: “They are ready to start and reckon they should be getting shovels on the ground very shortly. This is the final piece of the jigsaw, there is planning approval and now funding.” Initiatives to convert the former army barracks in Ballykinlar, County Down, into a sports and heritage area, along with the Reconnected Belfast project and the Ballycastle Shared Space Project, are additionally slated to receive European Union funding. Gordon Lyons, Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister, commented that the funded projects “will have real and meaningful impact” and will “provide tangible, lasting benefits”. Within the Republic of Ireland, the Shannonside Peace Arena is also set to receive funding from its designated investment allocation. According to Gina McIntyre of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), these projects “will provide places where people can come together, collaborate and engage with one another in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment”. She added: “They are crucial for peacebuilding and reconciliation.”