The Connacht GAA Airdome is expected to be operational in April following extensive storm damage last year.
In the same week as Munster GAA highlighted its strategic goal of assisting with the development of a network of floodlit, artificial pitches across their province, and the potential development of an indoor arena, Connacht GAA CEO John Prenty revealed that the renowned Air Dome in Bekan would be back up and running again in the next three to four months.
Last January Storm Éowyn destroyed the western arena.
At the time, Prenty vowed a rebuild would take place, and it is now set to return bigger and better, according to the CEO's annual report.
"Many people have asked me what the loss of the dome meant to Connacht GAA. The answer I feel is best answered in trying to explain what the loss of the dome meant to the GAA in general," he wrote.
In his report, Prenty revealed that the dome will be back up in April.
It's currently being manufactured in Slovenia and will be transported to Bekan later this month.
The outside pitches at Bekan were in full use up to last November, but the return of the indoor arena will be hugely welcomed.
With its full-size GAA pitch and ability to transform into a venue for exhibitions, concerts and conferences, the dome quickly became a crown jewel for the association, especially in times of challenging weather.
In terms of its focus on sustainability and its extremely reasonable costs, helped by a €2.1m grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the facility grew to become a massive success.
Central GAA funds presented the province with €700,000, while the Council themselves added another €300,000.
For a project that initially cost €3.1m, it is estimated that the current cost will be significantly higher due to inflation and insurance costs.
