Plans for multi-million pound Down GAA centre of excellence

Plans for multi-million pound Down GAA centre of excellence

13 November 2019

BALLYKINLAR is in line for a major investment in an ultra-modern GAA sports centre which could top the £7m mark.

Computer generated images of what the exciting Down GAA facility will look like went on public display last week and received an overwhelmingly positive response from those across the district who viewed them.

The proposed multi-million pound facility will include four floodlit pitches — including the current pitch owned by Ballykinlar GAC — and will also feature changing facilities for players and officials, and a multi-use sports area.

Other key features of the development which will be financed via a cocktail of funding, include spectator seating for 1,900 fans at one of the new pitches which it is hoped will in future host club championship games.

Plans have also been unveiled for a fitness studio and floodlit walking trail around the new development covering just over 34 acres of land.

The proposed development is also set to become the new administrative base for Down GAA in the county with access to the highly ambitious proposals via Ballykinlar GAC’s Commons Road base.

Described as a major “game changer” for football, hurling and camogie at county level, it is also hoped that the new facility located in a stunning location will provide a catalyst for additional investment in Ballykinlar village, helping boost its social and economic regeneration.

A number of detailed reports required by planners have already been carried out ahead of a formal planning application being lodged on December 6. It is also hoped that construction work can get underway next year.

Senior GAA officials have been in discussions with the Ministry of Defence to secure 30 acres of land to help pave the way for the new development which will be used by all Gaelic games codes in Down.

The proposed development is being described as a “massive boost” for gaelic games in the area and a key part of a new vision for the sport in Down. It is also hoped that it will provide a significant resource for the Ballykinlar club and local communities.

Down GAA officials say the project forms part of a new vision for the county and hopes that it will lead to success on the field.

Details of the new centre of excellence went on display last week ahead of the formal planning application being lodged next month.

County chairman, Sean Rooney, said it will be a “phenomenal achievement” to deliver the exciting new development. He said the new centre will 

provide Down GAA with a dedicated, permanent base which is does not have at present.

The chairman said the county board has been hiring various facilities for numerous years, highlighting the vitally important need to prepare teams for major competitions properly.

“We believe that the proposed new facility in Ballykinlar will help us achieve exactly that,” said Mr Rooney.

“We hope that this new base will lay the groundwork for future success at county level for our footballers, hurlers and camogs. Success has been pretty scarce over recent years and we are aiming to change that.”

The county chairman said he also believes that providing ultra-modern training facilities can pave the way for future success on the sports field.

“Ballykinlar is an ideal venue where training and matches can take place virtually every day of the year due to the excellent ground conditions. Grass is what people want to play on so there is no need for 3G pitches or anything like that,” continued Mr Rooney.

“Down GAA and indeed all the clubs across the county are very excited by this proposal. The clubs are fully on board and we hope that our county teams can achieve future success as a result of this ultra-modern facility.”

Mr Rooney said he was pleased with last week’s event in Ballykinlar ahead of the formal planning application being lodged next month.

He continued: “There has been a lot of hard work completed over the past six months to get the project to this stage. The planning application is lodged in early December and we hope to see work starting next year.

“Planners have been advising us and once the application is submitted we have to allow the planning process to run its course. Clearly, this is the start of something big for the GAA in Down and we are all hoping that our plans come to fruition so we can move towards achieving what we want to deliver for the county.”

Mr Rooney said the proposed new centre was “massive” for Ballykinlar and the village’s GAA club, home of legendary Down player Paddy ‘Mo’ Doherty.

He added: “We hope that the plan will help rejuvenate the Ballykinlar club. There are a lot of historic figures associated with the local club, including Paddy Mo. It would be a fitting tribute to have something of this magnitude in the home of our former captain’s club.

“We hope that all the pieces in the development jigsaw will fall into place and the new facility can open. We are confident that this scheme can not only boost the local economy, but provide a number of jobs.

“Local people will also be able to use the new facilities and the Ministry of Defence has been very supportive. These are indeed exciting times for Ballykinlar.”

Further information about the proposed development plan is available from Resolve Planning and Development, Innovation Factory, Forthriver Business Park, 385 Springfield Road, Belfast BT12 7DG.

Anyone who would like to make comment on the centre of excellence proposal is asked to contact Resolve Planning and Development no later than this Friday, November 15.