LONDON GAA must commence work on the long-awaited redevelopment of the Irish TV Grounds in Ruislip next May or risk losing a significant chunk of their budget.
The Irish government’s €600,000 input will be pulled if construction on the proposed plans does not begin in 10 months’ time, The Irish Post can confirm.
Building was supposed to begin this summer after London’s defeat to Cavan in the All-Ireland qualifiers, but the London County Board confirmed earlier this month that they’ve been forced to delay proceedings.
However, they can no longer afford to put the plans off again next year, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirming their grant will expire around June of next year.
A spokesperson said: “In 2013 a grant of €600,000 was awarded from the Emigrant Support Programme towards the GAA’s redevelopment of the Ruislip GAA grounds in London, the headquarters of the London County Board.
“This award was made on the basis that the funding will be ring-fenced for the development of the spectator facilities. It has been agreed that the Emigrant Support Programme funding will be available towards the project until mid 2016.”
It represents a significant part of the £4.17million budget, although reports suggest the original plans may in fact amass a much greater cost.
The plans include a new 2,330 seated stand with a partial roof, a new training area, four new dressing rooms, a gym and medical treatment room, a new road entrance to the ground and a redeveloped pitch.
