Planning submitted for Irishtown Leisure Centre

Dublin City Council has submitted a Part 8 planning application for a new leisure centre at Irishtown, marking an important step towards creating a major sports and wellbeing hub for the south inner city. Public consultation is now underway, and we are working alongside the council and leading the design team to progress the project into its next stage.

The new centre will combine a 25-metre, six-lane pool, a learner pool, a 100-station fitness suite, studios and fully accessible changing facilities. Located within the existing sports campus, the design takes the form of a pavilion in the park; a civic destination that welcomes people from every side and encourages participation. Active façades and outward-facing spaces bring sport into view and create strong links between the building, the surrounding parkland and neighbouring communities.

Pedestrian and cycle routes weave through the landscape, interspersed with pockets of activity that create informal places to gather, move and play.

The project will replace and expand the Markievicz Leisure Centre, which is being relocated through the MetroLink scheme. This shift strengthens Dublin City Council’s leisure provision and represents a lasting investment in high-quality, accessible facilities for local people.

Inclusivity and sustainability underpin the proposal. The building is designed for low energy use and aims to achieve DEC A and BREEAM Outstanding standards, setting a benchmark for future leisure provision in Ireland.

Irishtown Leisure Centre is a shared effort to create a welcoming centrepiece for Ringsend, Irishtown and the wider city. A place that supports health, wellbeing and social connection.