A £2.3 million development involving two Cork city soccer clubs, two GAA clubs, the Cork County Board of the GAA and the Government will transform 100 acres in north Cork. The area was previously prey to vandalism, dereliction and drug abuse.
Announcing the scheme yesterday, Mr Bernard Allen, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sport, said the Department of Education would contribute £350,000 to the project. This would be paid immediately as part of the Government's support for one of the "best schemes in this State".
Mr Allen said negotiations over the past six months with the relevant clubs had focused on co-developing and integrating the project so that other sources could complement funding from his Department.
"This is an historic arrangement between two soccer clubs, two GAA clubs, the Cork County Board of the GAA and State agencies. It is called the North Ridge Project and it will transform the north-western ridge overlooking the city and eliminate much derelict open space where there has been anti-social behaviour in the past."
When completed the project would have an enormous positive social impact on this part of Cork city, Mr Allen said. This had been made possible by the enthusiastic involvement of Cork Corporation as well as the organisation known as the Cork City Partnership, which brought together the various sporting interests.
Mr Con Murphy, a GAA former president, told The Irish Times yesterday that the association supported the project and was keen on ensuring its success, given the broad community involvement.
"If we give our young people an opportunity to get involved in sport and recreation, they will not be tempted to anti-social activities - such as drug-taking, vandalism and joy-riding," said Mr Allen.