Irish government to help develop ground

North Dublin's Malahide Cricket Club will be revamped at a cost £450,000 thanks to the Government of Ireland. This will help in developing the ground as a major international standard cricket ground.

"I'm delighted to confirm that the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin has sanctioned a grant of £450,000 for the redevelopment of the cricket ground at Malahide Cricket Club, with a capacity of 12,000," said Dublin North Fianna Fail T.D. Darragh O'Brien.

Commenting further on the development, O'Brien said: "While this is great news for cricket and recognition of its growing support, the economic benefits of this development cannot be underestimated. £1.5 million will be generated for the economy for every major international game held at the new ground. The impact of teams like Australia, England and Pakistan travelling here to play Ireland will be enormous for the tourism, transport and hospitality sectors."

Welcoming the announcement Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom said: "Cricket Ireland is delighted with the announcement of funding for the development of Malahide CC into an international venue. It is a massive vote of confidence by the Government in our sport, and recognition of our increasing profile on the world stage, which we hope our performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup in the New Year will only amplify. It is entirely fitting that one of the true cricket heartlands in this country will play host in years to come to the great teams of the world, such as England and Australia, as Ireland builds on its success and its aspirations to challenge the world's best."