A 200 year-lease has been agreed on a new world-class handball arena and community centre at Croke Park.
It follows a long running dispute between the GAA and the local group that operated the old centre. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was involved in brokering the agreement.
The deal was signed this week and includes an annual rent of a euro, paving the way for it to finally open. The newly formed National Handball and Croke Park Community Centre will run the state-of-the-art facility.
The €15 million euro development includes six handball courts, including one that seats up to 650 people. While there's also a bar and function room.
A number of local groups, including dance and special needs clubs, who previously used the old community hall will have access to the facility.
Up until recently it was being used as a Covid-19 testing centre but has since been handed over.
Councillor and member of the board, Nial Ring, says it's good news for the north inner city;
"It's in a development in the Ballybough area in Croke Villas. The old flats have been knocked down, the handball facility and community facility are up and there will be subsequently some social housing, over 60 units there."
He says it will be a catalyst for some major development in the area.
