Air dome
Large clear-span enclosure with pressure plant, backup, entrances, anchoring and services treated as one operating system.
Ireland / Decision guide
How should an Irish sports project create weather-protected capacity?
Persistent weather exposure can make covered capacity attractive, but a dome, lightweight structure and permanent building create very different operating and capital pathways.
Destination-specific planning Manual project review Exact-system evidence only
Direct answer
The short version.
Use an air dome where a pressurised enclosure and plant strategy fit the operating model; SARENTA where a lighter clear-span hall or court cover fits; and a permanent building where the project needs a full conventional building envelope.
Project decision
Separate the pathways before asking for pricing.
These comparisons are designed to narrow the project route. They do not replace local engineering, authority review or exact-system technical evidence.
SARENTA
Clear-span structural pathway for halls and covers without continuous air-support plant.
Permanent building
Conventional long-life route for clubs, schools or community facilities needing a full building shell and services.
Comparison matrix
Ireland covered-sport routes
Wind, rain, drainage and local project requirements remain decisive.
| Factor | Air dome | SARENTA | Building |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather enclosure | Full | Full / partial by system | Full |
| Plant dependence | High | Low / normal services | Normal building services |
| Permanence | Project-specific | Project-specific | Permanent |
| Typical fit | Large court bank / field | Court cover / hall | Full facility |
Project brief
Information worth collecting before quotation.
01County + site
02Sport / court count
03Footprint + clear height
04Wind + rain exposure
05Drainage
06Heating / ventilation
07Lighting
08Foundations
09Operating hours
10Local contractor
Frequently asked
Keep the destination and scope explicit.
Does Apollo recommend one system for every Ireland sports project?
No. The decision page is a shortlisting tool. Final suitability depends on the actual site, use, dimensions, exposure, selected system, available evidence and local project requirements.
Who handles local engineering, approvals and installation?
Apollo is supply-led. Local engineering, approvals, foundations, services, installation and other site works remain with the appointed local project team unless a written project scope expressly includes something different.
Is pricing calculated automatically from this guide?
No. Apollo uses a manual project-brief process so the selected system, quantities, destination, freight and project interfaces are reviewed before pricing.
Next step
Turn the shortlist into a destination-specific brief.
Send the site, dimensions, use, quantities, exposure information and known local requirements. Apollo can then review the relevant systems, evidence, freight and supply scope.