Bertie praises ‘brave’ GAA

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern applauded the GAA yesterday for its bravery in proceeding with the redevelopment of Croke Park and committing itself to the financial risks that it entailed.

What had been achieved was a stadium that the whole country could be proud of, said Mr Ahern. He was speaking after GAA president Sean Kelly had performed the official opening of the new Hill 16 terrace

.The GAA could feel immensely proud, he stated, adding that if it had happened in any other country, 'people would be proud.'

"The stadium is testament to how far we have come as people. Croke Park is an icon that stands not just for the development of the city but for the development of the country and the national games in particular.

"We are indebted to the GAA, their leaders and the volunteers for the commitment, their vision and their passion over the years. And, all these qualities were required during the hard times in the 80's when money was scarce and when the GAA leadership decided to embark on an ambitious journey to redevelop the stadium.

"I don't have to talk about the bravery of that statement. I have said it on previous times about current President Sean Kelly, past Presidents and the Director-General.

"It should be long remembered and I think it will be by those people who have a love and an interest in the GAA or anybody who is interested in sport in this country. Each of us here today has grown up and been shaped in some way or another by the influence of the GAA."

Mr Ahern recalled that as Minister for Finance he was delighted to make the first allocation of funds €6.35m. to the project. "At the time it seemed an awful lot of money but now seems very small. I wondered if I would ever live to see the first phase being completed, never mind the other phases," he added.

Sean Kelly explained that extending the stand all the way round the stadium 'was never an option,' for a number of reasons, including finance and the lack of room for development. Additionally, they recognised that from the point of view of 'affordability,' it was important that young people buy tickets at reduced prices.

Receiving the Government grant of €40m before Christmas had reduced their borrowings, he said. However, further work in the area of car-parking, the provision of a new players' lounge and a giant screen would cost €34m. Added to the current debt, it would involve them in expenditure of approximately €70m.

He revealed that it was hoped that the new hotel would be open in time for this year's All-Ireland finals.

The new terrace operates on a 'segmented' basis in the words of Director-General Liam Mulvihill being divided 'longitudinally and laterally.' This prevents too many people from being in any one section at a time.

"It's designed in such a way that each section operates separately. From the time people enter the turnstiles they will have a particular ticket which brings them to a certain section.

"There isn't any intention to separate the supporters. other than the demand which we sometimes get from people who like to see the block of colour. There's no intention to segregate crowds and there isn't any need!

"Looking back, we received great co-operation from everyone involved, not least from the Leinster Council who suffered capacity-wise on a few occasions.

"We had small capacity for two or three All-Ireland finals, when we were down to less than 60,000. That was the price we had to pay, but it was a small price in retrospect."

In relation to being allowed retain the 'Hill' end as a standing area, Mr Mulvihill pointed out that the decision of an Bord Pleanala to refuse permission initially was influenced by the Hillsborough disaster in Britain and other venues where there been a loss of life.

At the time, there was a climate of fear surrounding the use of terraces. A few years later an application to the planning authorities was successful.

"We think it will be setting new standards in terms of terrace facilities. We are confident that, whatever about being the best stadium in the world, we certainly have the best quality terrace facilities that I have seen."

Mr Mulvihill agreed that the receipt of €110m over the period was a huge investment and was something they would "always be grateful" to the Government for. However, he believes they would not have committed so much money if they hadn't seen what the GAA was prepared to do itself .