The GAA has officially opened its new National Games Development Centre at Abbotstown on the site of the National Sports Campus.
The recently completed project includes a total of five playing pitches - four of them full size and all of them floodlit - a 3G pitch, a hurling wall and a pavilion which houses 10 dressing rooms, a reception area, gymnasium, physiotherapy facilities, referees rooms, meeting rooms and dining facilities.
A covered seated spectator area adjoining the pavilion can cater for 400 people.
The primary focus will be on delivering games development activities, but the centre will also be used to deliver inputs in areas such as child protection health and wellbeing.
A total of €12million has been invested in the 25-acre facility, which is situated adjacent to the National Aquatic Centre and close to the main entrance of the campus.
GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail and director general Páraic Duffy were joined by a number of officials and guests to mark the occasion.
Commenting on the development, Ó Fearghail said: “It gives us great pleasure to unveil this fantastic new facility and it is right and proper that the GAA and our native games have a presence in a prime location within the National Sports Campus.
“The facilities on offer to the wider GAA family here rank alongside the best anywhere and great credit is due to all who have been involved from the inception of the project right through to its delivery.
“The real benefits of this development will come to be seen in the months and years ahead as the centre caters for teams of all types, fostering a sharing of best practice that will enhance our games and the experience of those who play and coach them.”
Duffy added: “It’s impossible not to be impressed by the completed facility and we are hugely enthused by the enthusiastic response from our various units regarding its use.”
