Centre could be ‘game changer’ for Down GAA

Centre could be ‘game changer’ for Down GAA

12 March 2025

WORK on a new groundbreaking £15m GAA centre and community hub in Ballykinlar could start early next year.

And the ultra-modern Centre of Participation Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub on land at the site of the village’s former army base could open its doors in early 2028.

The shared space project — which has been described as a “game changer” and a major boost for GAA and the local community —  has secured a cocktail of funding, with the development viewed as an important part of a new vision for the county.

The project 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.

It’s hoped the multi-million pound project’s integrated design team will be appointed next month paving the way for preparation work to start for contractors to be on site early next year in what will be massive boost for local Gaelic games.

Last week, a number of invited guests were in Ballykinlar for what was billed as a pre-development tour of the site where there are plans for new pitches, a covered spectator seating area, indoor multi-use games area, walking trail, a fitness suite, heritage museum, administrative block and community facilities.  

Thousands of people are expected to benefit from the new facilities when work is completed and it’s hoped they will bring people together, promote better understanding and trust, and provide communities with improved services and infrastructure. 

The Ballykinlar project was recently announced as one of six major capital projects supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and co-funded by the EU, UK government, Irish government and the Northern Ireland Executive. 

PEACEPLUS is providing almost €15.4m, with Down GAA and Newry, Mourne and Down Council contributing £2m and £500,000 respectively towards the development cost.

The PEACEPLUS funding will provide a covered spectator seating area, indoor multi-use games area, walking trail, a fitness suite, heritage museum, administrative block and community facilities. 

Guests who arrived at Ballykinlar last Thursday were given an overview of the ambitious proposals, before being taken on a tour of the vast site, which includes a portion of lands leased by Down GAA through a historic agreement reached with Ministry of Defence.

Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, said he was delighted that the vision for the transformation of a former military barracks site into a Centre of Participation for Sport, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Centre is now one step closer to fruition. 

“The transformation of this historic site into a shared space will support the creation of a more cohesive 

society, while also providing a space where people from all backgrounds can socialise, learn, integrate and work together, which will benefit and embed peace and reconciliation,” he continued.

Mr Calleary added: “I’m delighted that, along with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland, my Department will be providing match funding and support to this very worthwhile project.

“I look forward to working with all parties to ensure the successful delivery of this very important and essential community hub, which everyone can benefit from.”

SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said shared spaces provide an opportunity for people from different areas and backgrounds to come together, collaborate and engage with one another in an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

“They are crucial for supporting peacebuilding and supporting positive change, and as we have seen from our predecessor PEACE programmes, they can act as catalysts for real change and improved socio-economic environments,” she continued.

‘“Redevelopment and transformation of the Ballykinlar site is one of six such capital projects planned through PEACEPLUS, which will deliver civic facilities for people right across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.”

Ms McIntyre added: “By investing in these shared spaces, SEUPB and its partners are providing facilities that break down segregation and therefore contributing to sustained peace and future prosperity.”

Down GAA chairperson Maureen O’Higgins said the organisation was delighted to have representatives from SEUPB and other key stakeholders on site in Ballykinlar last week.

“It provides an important reminder of our starting point and the transformational impact that this investment will have on Ballykinlar,” she said.

“In the coming months, we will appoint a new integrated consultancy design team, another significant milestone for the project. Working alongside our project partners, we look forward to providing a facility catering to community, sporting and cultural needs.”