Planning approval has been granted for a new state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Down GAA at Ballykinlar.
The green light was granted by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for the proposed complex.
It allows for the development of four full-size GAA pitches (three of which are floodlit), spectator seating, multi-use games area, changing rooms, fitness studios and ancillary offices.
The site at Ballykinlar was a base for the Minister of Defence in the past, and also was used as an internment camp during and after the Irish War of Independence a century ago.
The area also has a vibrant GAA community, and the local club facility has been a base for Down senior teams for a number of years.
The planning approval comes four years after the Down GAA County Committee approved advanced negotiations with the Ministry of Defence on the proposal of a lease for development.
With the planning approval, Down GAA chairman John Devaney said the development "is now in our hands".
He said: "We are excited by the prospect of a facility that can cater for our sporting, administrative and cultural, but we know that a significant amount of work lies ahead. The planning approval brings the vision into view and allows our members and supporters across the county and beyond to imagine an impressive complex that will serve our future needs.
"The facility will also open up new opportunities for the Ballykinlar club and the local area, providing a focal point and an enhancement of the GAA provision in the locality, so that the club and our games can blossom and grow."
A project board, under the chairmanship of Fergal P McCormack, will now be tasked with providing "strategic direction for the project", a statement added.
