GAA's National Urban Programme to target '11 specific areas'

As part of the GAA's National Strategic and Vision Plan, the Association today confirmed an investment of €200,000 in its National Urban Programme as efforts to raise the profile of Gaelic games and participation levels in urban bases across the island continue.

Galway, Sligo, Dublin, Athlone, Drogheda, Bray, Belfast, Derry, Cork, Limerick and Waterford will all be involved in the project which will see the employment of 14 people.

Challenges which include a fall-off in participation, other attractions and less active lifestyles are to be met by the GAA with enhanced structures, an increase in support personnel, research and marketing and visibility.

A range of activities will be organised in the chosen urban centres as part of the initiative including a focus on traditional games, other recreational activity and seminars.

Sligo footballer Charlie Harrison, who is project coordinator for Sligo town, attended the launch at Croke Park today.

GAA President Christy Cooney, who established the National Urban Development Committee at the outset of his tenure, welcomed the new programme.

"With the majority of the population now resident in urban areas it is vitally important that our games are strong in these areas, complimenting the traditional strongholds dotted across rural Ireland," he said.

"The movement of people within Ireland continues to pose challenges for us as an Association and I'm delighted with the work undertaken to date by this committee, which will see a targeted approach to 11 specific areas involving a wide range of activities.

"That we are able to provide employment opportunities for 14 people in the process is another plus, and I look forward to monitoring the progress of this pilot scheme in the coming weeks and months."

Committee Chairman Dr Larry O’Connell, who is a senior economist with the National Economic and Social Council, added: "This initiative brings a tangible dimension to the work of the committee over the last two years and underlines the importance that the Association places on the vibrancy of its games and activities in urban areas across Ireland.

"The pilot scheme, as outlined today, will be hugely beneficial in helping us plan for further progress in this area."