Govt to release funds for Croker redevelopment

The Government is to finally hand over a long-awaited €40m grant to cover the redevelopment of Croke Park, it emerged tonight.

Sports minister John O’Donoghue said half of the allocation will be paid this year and the remainder in 2005.

The grant means the Exchequer has given a total of €110m towards the €265m cost of the stadium project.

Minister O’Donoghue said: “This brings to a satisfactory conclusion issues relating to funding for the redevelopment of Croke Park.”

Earlier this year, the Government agreed to give funding of €191m towards the revamp of Lansdowne Road.

Mr O’Donoghue said he was particularly satisfied to be able to recognise the immense contribution to sport which has been made over the years by the many men and women who have given of their time and effort to Gaelic Games on a voluntary basis.

“The GAA is largely an amateur organisation and has an enviable achievement in the field of Gaelic sport,” he said.

“It has fostered healthy outdoor activity for young people, has provided real involvement in sport for the gifted as well as the merely wishful sports activist, and has generated a passionate sense of local identity for communities throughout the country.”

Mr O’Donoghue also expressed his appreciation to former Finance Minister and new EU Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, who helped ensure the additional funding would be provided for the Croke Park development.

“This brings to a satisfactory conclusion issues relating to funding for the redevelopment of Croke Park,” he said.

“The leadership and understanding shown by Sean Kelly, President of Cumann Luthchleas Gael, in relation to this matter is also greatly appreciated and admired,” he added.