Engineering ideas for ice rinks

[NewLaces]

This is for those interested in physics, technology, engineering & architectural design.

I have put some ideas together that could help ice rinks operate more efficiently.

https://t.ly/bqJLO (330 KB / pdf / 8 sides of A4 / ~5,900 words)

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

This is for those interested in physics, technology, engineering & architectural design.

I have put some ideas together that could help ice rinks operate more efficiently.

https://t.ly/bqJLO (330 KB / pdf / 8 sides of A4 / ~5,900 words)

I admit that I haven't read through the whole thing yet, but very impressive work!

There is just one complication that I would like to point out.

The ice rink in Dundonald is not just the only public rink serving Northern Ireland; it is the only public rink serving the whole of the island of Ireland. So, it is actually serving a population of 7,386,455 (the 1,927,855 in the North, plus the 5,458,600 in the South). Therefore, the priority location for a new rink should be in Ireland. And, more specifically, somewhere in the South. (The most efficient way to achieve this in the short term would of course be to just re-open the ice rink in Dundalk. But that would not fit with the point of this study - how to build and operate an ice rink that is more efficient in the long term).

But, I get that this was a UK orientated study rather than a British Isles orientated study. Plus, with living on the island of Ireland, I am definitely biased! (From a selfish point of view, it would be nice to have a second rink here in the west of Northern Ireland, as Dundonald is 60 miles from me. But, it is far worse for the folks Down South. They need an ice rink more).

Well done again!

CaroLiza_fan

 

[NewLaces]

Thank-you.

I have also been sending out a number of physical letters in the post to various places too.

For Northen Ireland; Dundonald International Ice Bowl, Sport NI, University Belfast, & Ulster University.

If you think there's some people/organisations in the Republic of Ireland that might benefit, let me know.

Just in the news recently (2nd July 2026)

Proposed €250m winter sports arena in Dublin gets backing from key stakeholders

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Dublin Chamber and Tourism Ireland endorse project

www.irishtimes.com

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Thank-you.

I have also been sending out a number of physical letters in the post to various places too.

For Northen Ireland; Dundonald International Ice Bowl, Sport NI, University Belfast, & Ulster University.

If you think there's some people/organisations in the Republic of Ireland that might benefit, let me know.

To be honest, apart from the Ice Skating Federation Of Ireland and the Olympic Federation Of Ireland, I know very little about what organisations would be relevant in the South.

As for up here, you've got most of bases covered. Although, it might be worth trying some of the councils. Particularly ones in the west of the Province. For example, the town which used to be home to our second rink before it closed about 20 years ago, Coleraine, is the responsibility of the Causeway Coast And Glens Borough Council. And our second largest city outside of the Greater Belfast conurbation, Derry / Londonderry, is the responsibility of Derry City And Strabane Council.

Just in the news recently (2nd July 2026)

Proposed €250m winter sports arena in Dublin gets backing from key stakeholders

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Dublin Chamber and Tourism Ireland endorse project

www.irishtimes.com

Wow!!! That would be a real game changer for the skaters in the South.

I hadn't heard about that. So thank you for linking to the story.

In fact, I'm going to share it in the British & Irish thread.

Oh, I hope it goes ahead!

CaroLiza_fan