The Government has provided financial support of €69.84 million to the GAA towards the redevelopment of Croke Park. I do not share the contention that there is an outstanding commitment to provide additional funds for this work. In the context of the development of a State financed national stadium at Abbotstown, special funding proposals were made in April 2001 to the GAA on the basis of its intended usage of the completed stadium's facilities. This proposal lapsed with the Government's decision not to proceed with the development of a national stadium at Abbotstown.
Earlier this year I met with officers of the GAA and discussed with them the provision of additional funding for Croke Park. Following a useful exchange at that and previous meetings, the organisation understands that the Government is well disposed to support the GAA. The important contribution made by the GAA to Irish sport is well recognised in terms of the supports it has received through various funding channels operated through my Department. For instance, over €156 million has been allocated in capital and current funding in the five years up to 2003 between the sports capital programme and funds provided through the Irish Sports Council. Most recently, grants announced under the 2004 sports capital programme have included an allocation of €21 million to assist 260 local GAA projects.