Louth GAA to build new €8m home in Dundalk

LOUTH chiefs hope to be able to put a timescale on when they can expect to be in their new home in Dundalk “in the next couple of weeks”.

Last Monday night it was announced that it had acquired land on the outskirts of Dundalk with a view to developing a new county ground on the site.

The county have long been on the hunt for a permanent home and back in March, negotiations surrounding the development of the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda collapsed.

However, officials have moved quickly with Louth looking to build an €8m, 12,000-capacity stadium that will include four dressing-rooms, floodlighting and a hospitality area, as well as media and medical facilities close to DKIT.

“It was an historic decision and defining moment for the association within the county,” chairman Des Halpenny said.

“It’s only been five and a half months since we had to bring back the unenviable news that Drogheda couldn’t be developed and that was very disappointing for all Louth Gaels, but we had to draw a line under it and move on.

“Since that time the response and willingness amongst the Louth GAA community to lend their support has been exceptional. And last Monday evening the county committee unanimously endorsed the recommendation.

“There’s a long way to go but this will be a springboard for Louth GAA to move forward and it will be a step in the right direction and bring to reality a modern home for Louth GAA and one we can all be proud of.”

Louth are set to meet Croke Park officials in the coming days to discuss funding for the project but Halpenny is keen to build on the momentum the announcement has brought.

“The intention now is to maintain the momentum that is already there and drive the project through as quickly as possible.

“An accurate timescale of events will emerge in the next few weeks along with the plans and costing and that is the focus now.

“Fortunately some of the plans we have prepared for the Drogheda grounds are easily transferable to the new grounds so that is work that has already been done.

“All of this is subject to planning and funding and funding will be an integral part of this advancing.

“We’ll meet with our governing body shortly to discuss the plans, get their backing and establish the funding.”