Time to ‘advance the vision’ for Centre of Excellence: Sinn Féin

The party said they were making the call after working with Down County Board and Newry, Mourne and Down Council over recent weeks.

Sinn Féin’s Council Group Leader, Oonagh Hanlon reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting the centre of excellence in Ballykinlar at Monday night’s full council meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Hanlon said: “In recent weeks, Sinn Féin have been working closely with Newry, Mourne and Down Council as well as the Down County Board in advancing the vision for a Centre of Excellence at Ballykinlar.

“We have supported the development of a Down GAA centre of excellence at Ballykinlar for many years now and will continue demonstrating our commitment to supporting Gaelic games in Newry, Mourne and Down.

“Sinn Féin have been determined in resolving the matters arising following last month’s ERT committee meeting and to ensure councillors received all the correct information before this process could proceed any further.

“It is positive that the matters have now been resolved and we have been able to overturn the decision at last month’s ERT committee meeting.

“Sinn Féin will continue working with both Council and Down GAA throughout the process to ensure this project can continue progressing smoothly.”