By John Harrington

The GAA intends to develop two full-sized 4G pitches, a club-house, and changing room facilities on the Clonliffe College site in Drumcondra which it purchased from the Dublin Archdiocese last year.

The property comprises 31.8 acres including the College buildings and the protected structure known locally as the Red House.

12.8 acres of this will be used for the development of a sporting complex similar to the GAA’s National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown.

The Clonliffe College buildings will possibly be used as office space and a further 1.1 acres has been set aside for a potential hotel development.

The remaining land has already been sold by the GAA to Hines, an international property development company.

This portion of the site will be developed for housing, including a stipulation of 10% affordable housing and 10% social housing.

“The scheme will see the local area of Drumcondra and Ballybough significantly transformed and revitalised and will build a new and vibrant community on our doorstep,” wrote GAA Director General, Tom Ryan, in his Annual Report which was unveiled at Croke Park today.

“The sale proceeds will be such as to fully fund the acquisition and the pitch development, and to offer potential for a future income stream to the Association to further promote our aims. Patrons can be reassured also that parking on match days will continue to be available.”