Stranmillis University College raises the bar with £4m investment in new sports pitches
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has officially opened new sports pitches at Stranmillis University College, marking a significant investment in the college and its students.
The £4m project has delivered a new environmentally friendly 3G pitch — the first of its kind in Ireland, a 2G multi‑use games area, floodlighting to enable year‑round use, and associated changing and medical facilities alongside improved car, coach and cycle parking.
The Department for the Economy provided 90 per cent of the funding for the development, which was formally handed over to the College in March 2026.
Speaking at the official opening, the Economy Minister said:
“These new sports facilities at Stranmillis University College represent a significant investment in teacher education and student experience.
“Teachers play a vital role in our society and our economy, and it is essential that those training for the profession have access to modern, high‑quality facilities that support their learning and development.”
The investment demonstrates the Department’s commitment to targeted capital investment that improves learning environments, supports skills development, and delivers long‑term value for students, institutions and the wider economy.
Stranmillis University College delivers Physical Education modules as part of its undergraduate teacher education programmes and offers a BSc in Physical Education and Sport. The new facilities will support the practical delivery of these courses and enhance opportunities for wider campus and community use.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Jonathan Heggarty, Principal and CEO of Stranmillis University College, said:
“Stranmillis is proud to introduce its brand-new sports complex, designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from our own students to community groups and elite sports organisations. These cutting edge facilities offer flexible, high-quality spaces for training, competition, events, and wellbeing activities.
Sport has played a vital role in life at Stranmillis for over a century, not only for our clubs and societies but also for students across our programmes. For example, our Physical Education and Sport programme has grown significantly in recent years, establishing Stranmillis as a key provider in this important field. These new facilities will further strengthen our work in this area and provide our students with a hugely valuable resource.”
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption 1: Pictured at the official opening of a new environmentally friendly 3G pitch — the first of its kind in Ireland - at Stranmillis University College are (L-R): Stranmillis University College Student Union President Jessica Martin, Principal Professor Jonathan Heggarty, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Chair of the Governing Body Edgar Jardine and incoming Student Union President Josh Nicholl.
- The 3G pitch is Ireland’s first climate-neutral pitch, featuring an innovative cork-based infill in place of traditional rubber crumb, delivering both a high-performance and environmentally responsible playing surface.
- For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- To keep up to date with news from the Department you can follow us on the following social media channels: