From Vision to Skyline

Laya Arena Reaches Peak Height on path to €398m Economic Boost. Experience the transformation from Wednesday 5th August for RDS Dublin Horse Show 2026

Thursday 26th March 2026 – Dublin’s skyline boasts a new landmark today as the structural frame of the redeveloped Laya Arena reaches its highest point. With today’s ‘Topping Out’ ceremony, to mark the completion of the new Anglesea Stand structure, the 20,000+ capacity Laya Arena is on-track to welcome the public for the first time on Wednesday August 5th, the opening day of the RDS Dublin Horse Show, followed by the return of Leinster rugby in September.

A Permanent Landmark on the Dublin Skyline
Independent analysis by Indecon demonstrates that Laya Arena will act as a major economic driver, generating a €398 million incremental boost to the economy and attracting an additional 60,000 overseas tourists to Ireland every year. The structural completion marks the transition from an architect’s blueprint to a visible, tangible landmark on the Dublin skyline, strengthening Ireland’s ability to host global sporting events and live entertainment at a premium scale.

Government support for the project has been delivered through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), administered by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. This critical investment is a key pillar in the national strategy to drive economic growth and ensure Ireland possesses the modern facilities required to compete on a global stage.

The Fan Experience – Every Moment Up Close
The redevelopment is designed to modernise the fan experience without losing the famous intimacy associated with the RDS of old. While the capacity of the Laya Arena has increased, it has been designed with the supporter in mind, by removing 100-year old structural pillars and reshaping the stand profile to ensure 100% unobstructed views from every seat. This fan-first approach to the architecture is engineered to amplify the atmosphere, ensuring that despite the increased scale, the arena delivers on its promise of ‘Every Moment Up Close’.

Future Proof – Sustainability and Inclusion

The Anglesea Stand reflects a ‘Green Build’ and long-term commitment to sustainability. This is delivered through a coordinated approach with main contractor Elliott Group, who are implementing a strategy that drives best practice across materials, waste and circularity.

Reduced Carbon: 100% of the concrete components in the project incorporated 40% GGBS (cement replacement), a sustainable industrial by-product that significantly reduces the embodied carbon of the structure by up to 35% vs a standard mix.

Circular Economy: The project has successfully diverted more than 96% of construction waste from landfill. 2,500 of the original Anglesea Stand’s seats have been repurposed and donated to local sports clubs across the country.

Energy and Water: The roof is specifically engineered to host a solar energy system and the arena is supported by infrastructure for rainwater harvesting.

Accessibility is a major consideration of this project featuring 166 dedicated accessible seating positions, including 57 wheelchair spaces and 52 ambulant accessible seats ensuring a welcoming and unobstructed experience for all.

Speaking on the milestone, Paul Kelly, RDS CEO said: “Reaching this structural milestone brings the August 2026 reopening of Laya Arena into firm focus. This €52million project is more than just a new stand – it is a partnership between the RDS, the Irish government, laya healthcare and Leinster Rugby that is projected to deliver a €398m boost to the Irish economy. By marrying our 19th century heritage with 21st century innovation we are delivering a significantly transformed experience – grounded in sustainable building and a commitment to being an inclusive space for all fans. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience this transformation first-hand from Wednesday 5th August for Dublin Horse Show, which will be the very first event of a new era of world-class sporting and entertainment occasions at the Laya Arena including of course our partners at Leinster Rugby”.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said: “The Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund was established by my Department to drive forward projects of real scale and national importance. As Minister, I’m very conscious of my responsibility for directing public investment, and the need to ensure it delivers real, lasting impact.

“The Laya Arena is exactly the kind of ambitious project these funds are designed to support. Reaching its peak height today is a clear and visible sign of that investment being delivered.

“This is about more than a single development. It is about putting in place the infrastructure Ireland needs to compete for major international events, while also creating lasting value for communities at home. It shows what can be achieved when the Government and the private sector work together with purpose and a shared vision for the future of Irish sport.”

Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD added: “Today marks an important milestone in this project as we celebrate the topping out of this development in the RDS. It stands as a testament to the vision, collaboration and hard work of everyone involved, from the planners and designers, to engineers and construction team. This achievement is not just about reaching the highest point of this structure but about the progress we are making in delivering spaces that will serve our communities, support our economy and reflect our ambitions for the future. I am particularly pleased that this project has been supported by €15m in funding under the LSSIF, demonstrating Governments strong commitment to world class facilities. I commend all of those who have contributed to bringing this project to this stage and look forward to its successful completion.”

D.O. O'Connor, laya healthcare Managing Director, added: “Laya Arena brings people closer to the action, to each other, and to the communities we’re proud to serve. It deepens our connection with rugby while creating a home for unforgettable moments in sport, music and culture, all grounded in connection and wellbeing. Together, we’re building something that will stand the test of time.”

Noting the benefits for the RDS’s flagship event, Fiona Sheridan, RDS Dublin Horse Show Director said: “The completion of the structural frame brings the countdown to August into sharp focus. This redevelopment allows us to elevate the Dublin Horse Show experience for everyone from our new corporate hospitality offering in our suites to better accessibility and comfort for attendees. We are preserving the unique, historic atmosphere of the RDS while introducing the modern infrastructure needed for an international event of this scale. With tickets now on sale, we can’t wait to welcome everyone to a transformed Laya Arena this August.”

Shane Nolan, Leinster Rugby CEO added: “Seeing the Laya Arena reach this milestone makes the return to our home ground feel very real. The redevelopment will hugely enhance the matchday experience for everyone in the stadium, and we cannot wait to welcome our supporters back when we return next season”.  

With the structural phase now complete, the project moves into the internal fit-out and seating installation phase. The redevelopment of Laya Arena has been designed by Grimshaw Architects, with the project delivered by the RDS in collaboration with Leinster Rugby and main contractor Elliott Group.

Tickets for Dublin Horse Show are on sale now via Ticketmaster.