BREAKING: Pairc Tailteann development receives massive funding boost
BREAKING: Meath GAA has received a grant of €6.2 million from the large scale sports infratsructure fund for the redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann in Navan.
In an interview with the Meath Chronicle before Christmas Meath GAA's chief operations officer, Seamus Kenny, had hoped that an announcement regarding funding would be made early in the new year and the grant was confirmed this morning.
Local ministers, Damien English and Helen McEntee, welcomed the news today from their party and Government colleague, Junior Sports Minister, Brendan Griffin, of over €6.2 million in tax payer funding for the home of Meath GAA.
“As TDs for Meath and as active supporters of the GAA, we have always had a huge personal interest and commitment to the redevelopment and renewal of Páirc Tailteann,” the two ministers said in a joint statement.
“The GAA family in Meath has shown huge energy and commitment to this important project for our national games and for our county town and the county overall.
"Páirc Tailteann is a shovel-ready project and was an ideal candidate for the Department of Sport’s new regional sports infrastructure fund created under Ireland 2040 and announced today.
"This money from Government will enhance the delivery and enjoyment of sport in the county, and aid tourism too,” the Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee said.
“This a major project in the heart of the county town of Navan. It will benefit the GAA at every level including men’s, ladies and underage games," said Minister for Housing and Urban Development Damien English.
"It will also have postive economic benefits for the whole town of Navan and the wider county. It is a great way to start the new decade as we enter Divison 1 of the NFL.”
Both Ministers English and McEntee congratulated all the volunteers and stakeholders who helped make these applications successful through their work at local level. They committed to supporting further Regional Sports Capital Grants for Meath in the years ahead.
Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, also welcomed the funding.
She said: “This is massive news for Meath and the funding will go a long way in furthering the much needed redevelopment of the home of GAA in our county. Those involved in the project, including many current and past county board members have put in a huge amount of work to make this massive project a reality. As a convert who started off my life cheering on the Dubs, I greatly look forward to attending many more Meath matches in a stadium we can all be proud of.”
The project involves transforming the existing Páirc Tailtean stadium into a 21,000 seat stadium. The project will be completed on a phased basis, with this funding going towards the construction of a 4000 seat stand (3000 covered), four refurbished and extended dressing rooms, a new meeting area, media area and retail area, the re-alignment of the pitch, new floodlights, car parking and public toilets. The Government grant covers 52.5 per cent of the overall cost.
St Peter’s GAA club, Dunboyne will also benefit from today’s announcement, Minister McEntee said. Its project at Rooske Road will feature a linear walkway for the wider community and GAA underage development facility including playing fields. The funding for this project amounts to €2,102,068.