Central Council to debate delay in Croker redevelopment

THE completion of the Croke Park redevelopment, which is likely to involve the extension of the Hill 16 terrace to join up with the end of the Hogan Stand, is expected to be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting of the GAA’s Central Council.

Severe financial restraints, resulting from the deferment of the second half of the promised Government grant and heavy borrowings, have so far resulted in the project being put on the long finger.

Borrowings to date amount to 60m. and it's estimated that it would cost up to 30m to complete the northern end.

The challenge facing the Association is to balance the amount of borrowings for capital costs relative to the Croke Park redevelopment and other projects in hand - principally the cost of implementing recommendations of the Strategic Review Committee in relation to Dublin and overall games promotion proposals.

A figure of 39m approximately is outstanding on the original Government grant. GAA leaders have not given up hope that the money will be paid over eventually, but for the present they will have to plan without it.

Another matter expected to be discussed at tomorrow's meeting is the call from Roscommon for a national referendum to be carried out amongst the clubs about the use of Croke Park for other sports. Initially submitted to Congress in motion form, it was referred to Central Council.

The Council is unlikely to agree to such a move, on the basis that there is no provision for it within the rules. It's thought that the only way it could be undertaken would be for clubs in each county to make their views known to individual counties, who could then be mandated to vote accordingly on any future motion to come before Congress.

*A late rush on tickets means that the Armagh Donegal All-Ireland

semi-final is certain to be a sell-out.