Kelly unveils GAA plans for Croke Park hotel
Mr Kelly praised the foresight of Association members who bought the unused land opposite the Hogan Stand where the new facility will be built.
"I would like to congratulate those members of central council, who had the foresight to purchase the holding around Croke Park, even if some people doubted it at the time," Kelly said.
"It has been useful as car park for many years, but it was a largely derelict site that didn't impact too well on the surrounding area. Developing a hotel in this area might be the catalyst for further development around it."
Located on the Jones Road, it will have 232 bedrooms and 178 car parking spaces.
Kelly says the Hotel will be another instance of the GAA's healthy contribution to the economy of Dublin. Jurys chief executive Pat McCann says he hopes the new venture will generate 120 jobs.
"The Hotel will be a major catalyst for the regeneration of the North Inner City," Kelly says.
"And it will provide a significant boost to Dublin tourism and its support infrastructure. The GAA, through its games at Croke Park, is vital for the economy of Dublin, particularly this part of the city.
"This hotel will not only eliminate a lot of hassle for people coming to conferences at Croke Par, but it should generate more money for the area, and boost the value of houses."
In the original plans, a foot-bridge was envisaged connecting the Hogan Stand to the Hotel, but that has been omitted at the planning stage because of residents' concern.
Jurys Doyle, who will take the Hotel on a 34-year lease agreement with the holding reviewed every five years to fall in line with inflation, believe 50-55% of the revenue from this project will come from the corporate sector.
GAA Director-General Liam Mulvihill said this was an extension of Croke Park's good business in the area. The Association recently sold five houses in the area, raising €2 million.
"This was a very strategic and important purchase for the Association. And I would like to pay tribute to the members of central council who made the purchase when few people saw sense in doing so."
