GAA Central Council today announced a major new three-year investment project to the tune of some €38million which will benefit the Association at grassroots level.
A major part of the investment will be realised from revenue generated from rugby and soccer internationals being played at Croke Park. This will be added to the GAA's ongoing investment in coaching, games development, infrastructure and player welfare.
The investment was approved by Central Council after it was proposed by the Management Committee and will include €8.5million for County Boards, specifically for club associated development projects.
As a result the intention is to build between 10 and 15 floodlit synthetic and all-weather pitches to regulation GAA scale at centres throughout the country. This will enhance and supplement facilities for clubs, colleges and counties plus support special urban initiatives and new hurling development initiatives.
There will also be special investment in the overseas sector, Gaeltacht areas and affiliated units.
GAA President Nickey Brennan, stressed this was a one-off investment additional to funding made available on an annual basis from the GAA's traditional income sources.
"The decision is consistent with the commitment given that any associated finance that would accrue from the rugby and soccer games at the stadium would be invested at grassroots level," he said.
Croke Park opened its gates to soccer and rugby while Lansdowne Road currently undergoes a €350m redevelopment project.
Throughout the year GAA Headquarter will attract more than two million sports and music fans as it hosts two Ireland rugby internationals, four Republic of Ireland soccer matches and four music concerts on top of its usual 25 days of GAA games.
The GAA lifted its century-old Rule 42 ban on soccer and rugby being played on its turf two years ago.
Brennan said this was a hugely significant initiative for the Association at local level and he anticipated the proposal would receive Government support.
The process of implementation will now proceed through consultation and discussion with Provincial Councils and County Committees.