Louth GAA has announced that a “comprehensive funding package” has been agreed with Gaelic Athletic Association headquarters to allow for the start of its new stadium project in Dundalk.
The new facility intends to provide a modern, purpose-built venue that will serve the needs of players, supporters, and the wider community for generations to come. The announcement means phase one of the scheme can commence, with a 16-month construction period expected to deliver a stadium with an initial capacity of approximately 6,000 spectators.
The project to deliver what had planned to be a 14,000-capacity stadium had stalled in the summer of 2023 amid concerns over funding, with the GAA’s Central Council instructing Louth GAA to halt plans to start construction.
In June last year, Louth GAA announced that plans were back on track, with the project to be carried out over two phases at a cost of €23.5m (£20m/$26.7m). Ganson Group had previously been attached to the scheme, and Louth GAA has now confirmed it will serve as the project’s contractor.
Phase one development will include a South seated stand at 4,080 capacity, a playing pitch built to the highest standards, a modern floodlighting system, East and West standing sections behind both goals, car parking and an auxiliary building for essential facilities.
Development of Phase Two will commence as funding allows, featuring the North standing terrace, which will further enhance the stadium’s capacity and facilities.
Séan McClean, chairperson of Louth GAA, said: “This is a momentous day for all Gaelic Games in County Louth. After years of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to secure the necessary funding to begin construction on this state-of-the-art facility.
“We express our sincere gratitude to GAA headquarters and all our clubs within Louth GAA for their unwavering support in bringing this project to fruition.
“This new stadium will not only provide an excellent home for Louth county and club teams but will also serve as a hub for community activities and foster the continued growth of Gaelic Games in the region.”
The first phase will now reportedly cost up to €24m. Louth GAA’s share is said to be around €5m, with €1.5m coming directly from clubs via an agreed levy and the remainder generated through fundraising.
A county spokesperson confirmed to RTÉ Sport that funding has been secured from several sources, without specifying amounts.
The spokesperson added: “Government funding for the stadium has already been secured. In addition, we have several other revenue streams. We have several funding avenues and these are all vital in ensuring that we build the stadium. They include Central GAA, Louth GAA, the Government and fundraising initiatives.”
In November, Irish Premier Division football teams Bohemian FC and Sligo Rovers, along with Cavan County Council, were the big winners as the Irish Government set out a €173m round of funding allocations under its Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
At that time, Louth GAA was interpreted as the biggest loser under the LSSIF, with its new stadium project for Dundalk having failed to secure the requested €7.2m in state investment. However, there is hope this could be revisited in the next round of funding later this year.
