Support for Down GAA centre of excellence

Support for Down GAA centre of excellence

4 December 2019

ELECTED representatives are being urged to support plans for a multi-million pound investment in an ultra-modern GAA sports centre in Ballykinlar.

Down GAA’s proposed 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.

South Down SDLP Westminster election candidate Michael Savage — who has met with Down GAA chairman Sean Rooney — wants all politicians to support the planned investment.

Mr Savage said that for too long, many members of Down GAA have been without a dedicated and specialist training facility in the county. It’s something that he hopes will change very soon. 

“I was lucky enough to meet recently with the county’s outgoing chairman Sean Rooney to discuss these plans and assure him of my unequivocal support and the full support of the SDLP for the centre of excellence,” he continued.

“Coming from family steeped in the construction industry I know the excitement there is when the opportunity for a major development comes along. I want South Down to be that again; a constituency that grows and develops.”

Mr Savage said that throughout his Westminster election campaign he has been hearing about issues people face and also hearing from those who want to make a difference. 

“None of us can do this alone,” he continued. “The Down GAA centre of excellence is a prime example of this. 

“This project will not only bring investment into the local area and provide jobs but it will also provide much-needed health and wellbeing for our children and young people. Most importantly, it will be a beacon of what we can achieve together when we work to realise a shared vision.”

Mr Savage said that the SDLP in South Down has been working tirelessly in the background for a great length of time for the people of Ballykinlar to see a new community centre delivered.  

He added: “We achieved that and we have been fighting with the Ministry of Defence to see housing and lands from the former army camp returned to the community. 

“Now, I want to continue that effort and support this application for a new centre of excellence through to its delivery.”