Go big or go home! Liffey Valley is about to go absolutely MAMMOTH

Anyone who's a regular to the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre will know that it's been undergoing serious refurbishments over recent months, but that's nothing in comparison to what's to come.

According to emerging reports this afternoon, the centre, which first opened its doors to the public in October 1998, has been granted planning permission for even more shops and  – wait for it – an Olympic-sized rink and arena.

It is understood that the rink will accommodate 2,500 spectators and will be in a position to host international ice skating and ice hockey competitions as well as various performances.

The centre, with an address in Clondalkin, will see a major chance to its civic space, with project organisers saying: "Plans include a transformation of the Centre’s civic spaces with the addition of a major new public space equivalent to a typical European-scale Urban Plaza."

Expansions plans, which included a proposal for a multi-story carpark, were previously met with opposition back in February, so South Dublin Country Council gave developers six months to alter their plans.

The revised plans, which no longer include the carpark, have been given the official go-ahead and will, according to those behind the project, do much for the economy.

"It has the potential to create up to 450 construction employment opportunities during development approximately 1,500 full and part-time jobs upon completion, bringing the total number of people employed within the centre to over 3,700".

We can't wait!