Across Ireland, there are no permanent ice rinks, meaning there is no consistent, year-round access to ice for training, development, or participation in ice sports. This leaves athletes and recreational skaters without a stable place to train, and creates a system where progress depends heavily on travel and financial means rather than ability or commitment.

As an Irish figure skater, I’m part of a wider group of athletes who experience this reality. Regular training in Ireland is not available, so accessing proper ice often means travelling abroad. That turns what should be a local, accessible sport into something inconsistent and dependent on external facilities.

Temporary or seasonal rinks are not designed for serious training. They are recreational spaces, not equipped for the technical demands of figure skating or ice hockey. As a result, many Irish skaters and players are forced to travel to places like Belfast or mainland Europe just to get suitable ice time.

The financial impact on families is significant. Costs quickly build up through travel, accommodation, coaching, rink fees, and missed school time. This creates unequal access to ice sports in Ireland, where participation is often determined by financial situation rather than talent or dedication.

This also affects education, wellbeing, and long-term athlete development. Without permanent ice rinks, Ireland cannot properly build structured pathways for skaters, hockey players, or future athletes in ice sports.

This issue is not about one individual or one story, but about a wider community of people who currently do not have fair or reliable access to facilities needed to take part in their sport. Better infrastructure would support not just athletes, but anyone who wants to try or develop in ice sports in Ireland.