6 January 2026
Prime Arena today announced a significant milestone in the advancement of its landmark development, securing widespread support from leading organisations across business, tourism, sport, and international trade, ahead of its planning application submission. These endorsements reflect the project’s expected contribution to Ireland’s economic growth, community development, and international profile.
The following organisations have now formally expressed their support for Prime Arena:
- Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI)
- Odyssey Trust
- Belfast Giants
- Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL)
- Premier Sports
- Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC)
- Inbound Tourism Operators Association (ITOA)
- IBEC
- Deloitte
- Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber
- Sandyford Business District
- Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto (ICCCTO)
- Ireland Canada Business Association (ICBA)
- American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (Amcham)
These endorsements highlight Prime Arena’s unique position as a catalyst for economic prosperity and a driver of Ireland’s capacity to attract world-class events, tourism, and international partnerships.
Significant Economic Impact for Ireland and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown
An independent assessment carried out by Anthony Foley, Associate Professor Emeritus, at Dublin City University (DCU), predict that Prime Arena will generate profound and ongoing national economic value:
- €298 million in annual economic output
- Over 2,400 jobs supported across the construction and operational phases
- 3 million visitors each year, including more than 67,000 international visitors
- 237,850 hotel bed-nights annually
- A sustained uplift for Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown and the wider Dublin region
These figures reinforce the project’s national importance, demonstrating strong alignment with national policy priorities, including:
- Tourism development
- International business engagement
- Cultural and sports diplomacy
- Regional economic growth
- Strengthening transatlantic relationships
Dermot Rigley, CEO, Prime Arena Holdings said “We are deeply honoured to receive such widespread support from across Ireland’s business, tourism, and sporting communities, as well as from our international partners in North America. These endorsements reflect not only confidence in the Prime Arena project, but also confidence in what this development can deliver for Ireland’s future. Prime Arena will be a transformative national asset, driving significant economic growth, creating thousands of jobs, and enabling Ireland to finally compete on the global stage for major events. Our vision is to build a world-class venue that benefits local communities, boosts the national economy, and sends a clear message internationally that Ireland is ready for the next chapter.As we move toward submitting our planning application, this collective support strengthens our determination to deliver a project that Ireland can truly be proud of.”
With the planning submission approaching, Prime Arena will continue its engagement with local authorities, community groups, and national stakeholders to ensure that the project delivers sustainable, long-term value for the region and the country.
Media Contact: primearena@pentagroup.com
About Prime Arena Holdings: Led by CEO Dermot Rigley and Chair Tom Kennedy, Prime Arena Holdings was established in 2022 and brings together a uniquely qualified group of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders with decades of experience at the highest levels of global sport, entertainment, media, and technology. This team includes senior figures behind major international sports leagues, global concert promoters, tech unicorns, and leading strategic communications firms, offering a powerful blend of commercial vision, operational excellence, and global reach.
Collectively, the consortium has delivered world-class events, negotiated landmark broadcasting and rights deals, scaled successful tech ventures, and led some of Europe’s most influential entertainment businesses. Their track record ensures the capability to not just imagine a transformative arena for Ireland, but to deliver it with the commercial credibility, strategic partnerships, and executional experience to make it a lasting success.
Dermot Rigley – CEO and Founder Prime Arena Holdings and Founder of Frontier Sports, previously Commercial Head of RTE Sport, and Board Director and Chief Commercial Officer of Pro 14 Rugby.
Tom Kennedy – Chairman and founder of Prime Arena Holdings, investor in over 30 tech companies and co-founder of Hostelworld; former EY Entrepreneur of the Year
For more details, please visit: https://www.primearenaholdings.com/