The project, spearheaded by Down GAA and developed with key partners Co-operation Ireland and the County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN), aims to create an inclusive, multifunctional space to promote community, sporting and cultural activities.
The 30-acre facility will include four full-size GAA grass pitches (three of which will be floodlit), a spectator seating area, an indoor Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a walking trail, gym and fitness suite, heritage museum, and an administrative block with community spaces. The project is part of the PEACEPLUS Re-imaging Communities Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a funding initiative co-financed by the European Union, the UK government, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
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The Ballykinlar development, which emerged from an historic agreement between Down GAA and the Ministry of Defence for land use on the Ballykinlar estate, represents a major addition to the area’s social and community infrastructure. Designed to foster cross-community connections, the facility will focus on health, wellbeing, peacebuilding, and rural regeneration, helping to build a more cohesive society.
Down GAA Chairperson John Devaney said: "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. 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. The progress so far and the success of our funding application can be attributed 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. 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."
