THE allocation of over €15m in EU funding for a new Down GAA hub at Ballykinlar is set to ‘bring a historic project to reality’.
On Monday, it was confirmed that €15,383,951 has been awarded – through the PEACEPLUS Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – to the Ballykinlar Centre of Participation, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub, which received planning permission over three years ago.
A statement issued by Down GAA said that the project will be developed with it as the lead partner and with the support of main delivery partners Co-operation Ireland and County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN).
‘The provision of funding through the PEACEPLUS Re-imaging Communities Programme will bring a historic project to reality,’ it read.
‘The proposed 30-acre development will include: four full-size GAA grass pitches (three of which are floodlit); a covered spectator seating area; an indoor multi-use games area (MUGA); a walking trail; a gym/fitness suite; a heritage museum/interpretive centre; and an administrative block and community facilities.
‘The project has evolved from a historic agreement between Down GAA and the Ministry of Defence, which has led to a lease for Down GAA to develop part of the Ballykinlar estate.’
The statement added that ‘this iconic project will mark significant change in the local landscape and provide an inclusive shared space for local sporting, community, heritage, peacebuilding and capacity building activities and programmes’.
‘Drawing on the knowledge, skills and experience of our main partner organisations, the project will also help to address a deficit in social and community infrastructure, contributing to rural regeneration, improved health and wellbeing and helping to build a more cohesive society,’ it stated.
John Devaney, Down GAA chairperson, said that the confirmation of PEACEPLUS funding was “a significant step in our plans to develop what will be an iconic project at Ballykinlar”.
“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 Co-operation Ireland and the CDRCN,” he stressed.
“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.”
Mr Devaney thanked officials within the Ministry of Defence, Ballykinlar GAC, the council and local public representatives for their support, and attributed the success of the funding application to the “outstanding work of the Project Advisory Board, chaired by Feargal McCormack, the team of county officers, Steven Trainor (grants officer) and Ciaran Rafferty (legal advisor), and to the ongoing support, advice and encouragement from Ulster and Central GAA and the wider family of Gaelic sports”.
“Ballykinlar and its history provides a fascinating backdrop,” he concluded.
“This is a place where parts of our local and national history intertwine, and we have an opportunity to reflect past, present and future in what we build and develop.
“Working alongside our project partners, we will provide a facility that will cater for community, sporting and cultural needs.”
The funding boost for the Ballykinlar development has been welcomed by local political representatives.
South Down MP Chris Hazzard (Sinn Féin) described it as “hugely positive news for Gaels across South Down”, and said that it would “help to inspire a new generation of young athletes”.
“This is a significant piece of funding from the EU and represents their ongoing commitment to our local communities and peacebuilding here,” he added.
“I look forward to seeing this game-changing project delivered and the local GAA community enjoying these fantastic new facilities.”
Local MLA Colin McGrath (SDLP) said that the funding news was “fantastic for Down GAA and Gaels across the length and breadth of this island”.
“I have no doubt that the delivery of the new centre will be transformative for this area, and is so indicative of the future we seek to build, in which somewhere that was previously a focal point of division and highly symbolic of our past, will be transformed into a centre for the future, which brings local communities together in a remarkable way,” he stated.
His party colleague, Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin, added that, as “a proud Gael and longstanding volunteer” within his local GAA club, this was “the news that we were all hoping and waiting for”.
“Those of us involved in Gaelic games will know how important the delivery of this centre is to the future sustainability and growth of Down GAA,” he stated.
“It is a huge boost for the local area and shows the inclusive nature of Gaelic games, as being something everyone can get behind.”
South Down Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray said that the funding allocation was “great news”.
“This is a great investment, not just for Down GAA, but also all those who will be able to avail of the facilities that are to be developed at the site,” he added.
“It will also be a welcome development for the residents of Ballykinlar who will be able to avail of the newly developed facilities.
“The award of approximately £13m by SEUPB through PEACEPLUS will help to realise the ambition to turn this location into a truly top-class facility.”
At Monday’s monthly council meeting, chairperson Pete Byrne stated that he had been “delighted” to hear about the funding announcement.
“I know the council has been working closely with Ballykinlar, going forward with the multi-sports hub element of the project, and the council has an additional £0.5m involved in that,” he said.
“It is a good news story, and well done to all who were involved in that bid.”
Earlier this year, the local authority overturned a closed session decision reached by its Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Committee not to support Down GAA’s bid for SEUPB funding.
This had been made on the basis that the Ballykinlar project was ‘in direct competition’ with the council’s plans to develop a community hub in Warrenpoint.
In July 2021, the GAA development was approved by the local authority’s Planning Committee.
In March 2022, Mr McCormack told a special council meeting that the cost of the facility would be “£10m plus VAT roughly”, and said that the Project Advisory Board had concluded that the best value for money option was “to proceed with this project in one phase”.
Sinn Féin councillor Jim Brennan has also welcomed the funding announcement.
“It is fantastic to see the project progress on with the allocation of funding,” he stated.
“The project will ensure a vibrant shared space for all, not only for Slieve Croob but across the district.”