Down GAA Centre of Excellence

Members' Statements – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 10:45 am ar 9 Ebrill 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Cathy Mason Cathy Mason Sinn Féin 10:45, 9 Ebrill 2024

I welcome the fact that plans for the development of a Down GAA centre of excellence at Ballykinlar continue to progress. My party has supported the development of a centre of excellence for many years. It will be a fantastic asset not only to our local sporting clubs and athletes but to the entire community. The benefits of sport to our young people's health and well-being are well known, and state-of-the-art facilities such as those planned for Ballykinlar will bring those benefits into the heart of County Down. We know that the GAA reaches far beyond sport; it also brings rich social and cultural benefits, often being the heartbeat of a community. That is the exciting opportunity that lies ahead for the village of Ballykinlar. We will continue to work throughout the process with Down GAA, the council and Departments to ensure that the project progresses as smoothly as possible in the time ahead.