18,000 attend South Dublin On Ice at Tallaght Stadium
By Aura McMenamin
THE FIRST ever South Dublin on Ice saw up to 18,000 people visit the ice rink in just over two months at their Tallaght venue.
The initiative saw South Dublin County Council set up an ice rink next to Tallaght Stadium on Whitestown Way from November 14 up until Sunday 21.
The ice rink ran for just under ten weeks, including Sundays and closing on Christmas Day, saw 18,000 people attend the rink, according to the council.
Revenue generated over the 10 weeks is estimated between €200,000-€225,000 (as estimated by The Echo).
The council declined to give a figure for the revenue during this time citing commercial sensitivity, however adult tickets cost €15 and children tickets cost €13 while a family of four could expect to pay €50 and a family of five ticket was €60.
The last week saw all individual tickets reduced to €10.
The venture was run by the council in partnership with Profile Music Group Ltd and together they promised “a fantastic skating experience for the festive season at Tallaght Stadium’s first ever ice rink”.
South Dublin on Ice included a sensory skate evening session on December 4 for children with sensory needs, with free admission for carers.
There was also complimentary session held for people with disabilities in the community on December 2.
A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “The arrangement ensured that the operator took on the costs and risks involved with the operation of the facility and the council receives a financial contribution based on final revenues.”
South Dublin on Ice is part of the council’s Tourism Strategy which aims to provide events and festivities to residents and promote the county as a tourism destination.
A council spokesperson said: “A key objective of the Tourism Strategy is to promote South Dublin County and expand the range of festivals, events and recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors to the County.
“The Council is engaging with a number of operators of facilities, event organisers, the local community and interest groups to identify opportunities to expand the tourism potential of South Dublin County.”
According to the council, a county promotion unit is currently working on promoting and supporting a calendar of festivals and events for 2018, some of which include the upcoming Gaelforce Dublin 2018 in February, Dublin Marathon Race Series in July, Red Line Book Festival in October and a Christmas Event Programme for 2018.
The council also announced that the county promotion unit will soon accept applications for their new Tourism Events and Festivals Grants Scheme 2018 which will provide financial assistance for events and festivals taking place in 2018.
The council said: “Applications will be accepted from community/voluntary /commercial organisations for new events or festivals.”
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