Northern Ireland: IFA ‘steadfast’ in vision for new training centre

The pre-letter states: “Indeed, the very idea that a twenty-two hectare site in the open countryside being developed for a national football training centre with six football pitches capable of accommodating thousands of people does not constitute EIA development is, on its very face, an absurd proposition”.

The IFA have said they believe the project “represents a unique opportunity” and would provide a permanent home for their men’s, women’s and underage teams.

“We remain steadfast in our vision to create a state-of-the-art National Football Centre that will become the beating heart of football in Northern Ireland – providing a permanent home for our national teams, inspiring the next generation, supporting grassroots football and youth development, and creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement which is central to both this project and the values of the Irish FA,” said a statement.

“This project represents a unique opportunity to deliver a world-class facility and a once-in-a-generation investment in football, communities and sporting infrastructure.

“We will continue to listen, engage constructively, and mitigate concerns where possible, as the planning process progresses.”