The proposed GAA and multi-sports pitch in Portaferry is facing a significant funding gap, with the estimated cost now exceeding £6.5 million. Ards and North Down Borough Council has allocated £2.2 million for the project, leaving a shortfall of over £4 million.

The facility is planned for a site off the Cloughey Road, behind the existing sports centre and close to St Columba’s College. It would include a full-size GAA 3G pitch capable of incorporating two full-size soccer pitches, along with facilities for other sports and training. The school is expected to use the facility during school hours, evenings, and weekends.

The project was first costed in 2017 at £2.2 million, but the latest estimate reflects around ten years of construction inflation and additional works. Council officers said the updated cost includes earthworks, fencing, drainage, a larger car park, widening the entrance from the main road, relocating a water-based habitat, and external upgrade works. There could be further increases due to an old landfill dump near the site.

Planning permission was submitted in March 2026 after numerous delays, and pre-application discussions with the planning service are expected shortly. The council is also working to obtain a lease for the site from the Department for Education and the Diocese of Down & Connor, with approval still pending from the department. The lease is expected to be at a peppercorn rate.

Ards Peninsula councillor Pete Wray expressed support for the project but criticised the cost increase. He said that costs have risen partly because of delays, and that the original outline business case was not in the right ball park. He noted that the community has been waiting for these facilities for many years and called for better delivery of capital projects.

A council spokeswoman said the increased costs were due to updated building costs and additional works, including changes to legislative and environmental requirements. Updated standards for synthetic sports surfaces have necessitated design changes. She said progression of the project remains subject to planning permission, approval of an updated business case, and a subsequent decision to invest.