A former British army barracks could be transformed into a Centre of Excellence for Down GAA.

The Mourne County confirmed last night it has been in discussions with the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) to lease and develop part of the Abercorn Barracks site at Ballykinlar. Built in 1901, the barracks housed internees during the War of Independence and was used by the UDR during 'The Troubles'.

An IRA van bomb killed two soldiers and destroyed buildings at the barracks in 1974.

"At a meeting of the County Committee this evening, approval was secured for advanced negotiations with the Ministry of Defence on the proposal of a lease for development," a Down GAA statement read.

"The early stage discussions between officials of Down GAA and MoD personnel have focused on the potential lease and development of part of the Abercorn Barracks site at Ballykinlar into a multi-purpose GAA complex. All parties are working towards bringing this exciting plan to fruition."

The statement continued: "Ballykinlar has a vibrant GAA community and the local club facility had been a training base for Down senior teams for a number of years.

"If approved and progressed, the Ballykinlar Project will form an important part of a new Vision 2020 strategy for the county. While a new complex will cater for the training and administrative needs of Down teams in all Gaelic Games codes, it will also be a significant resource for the Ballykinlar club and the local communities."

Westmeath GAA has been using the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar as a Centre of Excellence since 2013.

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