The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., today announced a grant of €600,000 towards the redevelopment of the Ruislip GAA grounds in London, the headquarters of the London County Board.

The funding is being provided as part of the Emigrant Support Programme of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and represents some 12.5% of the overall cost of the project. The Emigrant Support Programme provides assistance to non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish.

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Speaking ahead of the launch of the project at Croke Park, the Tánaiste said: "I am delighted to announce a contribution towards the redevelopment of the facilities in Ruislip. This development is timely, coming a year after London did so well in the Connacht Senior Football Championship, and we are delighted to be a part of it. Better playing and spectator facilities will help London build on that success. The development will make it a better place to play Gaelic games and a better place to watch Gaelic games and, as a result, reinforce the GAA's place at the heart of London’s Irish community."

The Tánaiste also announced grants totalling €45,000 to support the growth of GAA clubs around the world. These grants recognise the global nature of gaelic games, and the strong linkages which exist between GAA clubs and the Irish communities in which they are based. The grants match equal funding provided by the GAA to these clubs, under the Global Games Development Fund.

(CD/MH)