GAA told to reapply for second half of grant

The GAA has been told by the Government that it must apply for the outstanding half of the €76

The GAA has been told by the Government that it must apply for the outstanding half of the €76.2 million that was pledged to it for the redevelopment of Croke Park.

The Association was told at a meeting with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Sport this evening that the remaining €38.1 million was not automatically guaranteed to be paid because of the abandonment of plans for a State-funded national stadium.

The Minister for Sport Mr O'Donoghue said "the GAA will have to make an application for funding in the normal way".

He also reiterated the Government's desire to see Croke Park opened by the GAA for use in the 2008 European football championships.