The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced the start of work on the first phase of its National Training Centre on the National Sports Campus with a sod turning ceremony.

Those in attendance included Minister Leo Varadkar TD, Minister Joan Burton TD, FAI CEO John Delaney, DDSL Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brendan Bermingham, DDSL Chairman, Paddy Dempsey, Chairman of the NSCDA Sean Benton, CEO of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy and Republic of Ireland management team, Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane.

The FAI National Training Centre's first phase will include five full-sized grass pitches and one full-size artificial turf pitch. The pitches for the FAI's National Training Centre will use all of the latest technology to ensure player injuries are minimised.

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The FAI's National Training Centre will be also used for elite player and referee training, including international squads and coach education. It is being developed with funding from the Government through the National Sports Campus Development Authority and FIFA and includes a partnership usage agreement with the DDSL.

Following the development of regional training centres and the completion of Aviva Stadium, the National Training Centre fulfils another significant objective under the FAI's current strategic plan. It is expected that the artificial pitch will be complete by September with the five grass pitches following on a phased basis through to the end of 2014.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar said: "The Development Through Partnership programme between the Government and sports bodies was an important catalyst for this great project at the FAI National Training Centre and marks another milestone in the development of the National Sports Campus.

"I want to thank the FAI for taking the initiative and committing itself to the Campus. This new facility joins the National Aquatic Centre, FAI HQ, the Institute for Sport, Sport HQ, the National Equestrian Arena, the community commercial pitches, the GAA's pitches, and the other campus facilities.

"With further developments in store, the National Sports Campus at Blanchardstown is a centre of excellence for Irish sport and a great national asset that we can all be proud of."

(CD/JP)