The President of the GAA Mr Sean Kelly has welcomed today's Government announcement that the GAA is to receive €40 million towards the redevelopment costs of the new Croke Park.
Mr Kelly said he wished to express his gratitude on behalf of the Association to An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD, the Minister for Arts Sports and Tourism Mr John O Donoghue TD and the outgoing Minister for Finance Mr Charlie Mc Creevey.
He added that the allocation would significantly reduce the financial strain on the GAA in servicing the €100million debt accrued as a result of its investment in Headquarters.
The redevelopment of the stadium has cost in the region of €250million to date and today's announcement will bring the Government's contribution from lottery funding to €109.8million.
Mr Kelly said that the members of the GAA were justifiably proud of the magnificent edifice that is now Croke Park and that they and their clubs countrywide would hugely appreciate the Government's commitment to the stadium and Gaelic games in general.
Filed by Eilish Barry
