Down GAA has been awarded over £12.6million (€15.4 million) in funding to develop a new Centre of Excellence at Ballykinlar.

The county board has welcomed the announcement of the funding from the PEACEPLUS Programme for the development of the Ballykinlar Centre of Participation, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub. The 30-acre site will be developed by Down GAA as lead partner, with the support of main project delivery partners Co-operation Ireland and County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN).

The proposed development will include four full-size GAA grass pitches (three of which are floodlit), a covered spectator seating area, indoor Multi Use Games Area, a walking trail, a fitness suite, heritage museum, administrative block and community facilities.

“The confirmation of funding from the PEACEPLUS Programme is a significant step in our plans to develop what will be an iconic project at Ballykinlar,” Down GAA chairman John Devaney said.

“The success of our application is down to the hard work and support of a number of people within our team and our project partners Cooperation Ireland and the County Down Rural Community Network. We are excited at the prospect that our plan will finally come to fruition.

“This is an iconic project that has the potential to be transformational for those involved and those who will benefit. We are grateful for the support of officials within the Ministry of Defence, the Ballykinlar GAA club, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and our public representatives.”

STATEMENT from Down GAA - Ballykinlar Project

€15.4m PEACEPLUS Investment Awarded for Iconic Project at Ballykinlar - Centre for Participation, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub.

Full statement https://t.co/sOy8mGZIbL pic.twitter.com/yrj9BeMJJd

— Official Down GAA (@officialdowngaa) November 4, 2024

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