The GAA is requesting state funding of over €5 million to assist with a new national growth and integration plan and a strategic scheme to revitalise hurling and camogie.
The funding request was confirmed on Monday night when the last of eight hurling development roadshows, led by head of hurling William Maher, took place in Croke Park.
Key to the request is support for a three-year programme which will aim to respond to demographic change, gender-equity goals, and societal changes.
A plan to sustain the development of hurling and camogie also forms a key part of the approach for funding to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Monday night's event in front of over 200 people meant that 1,200 in total attended the hurling roadshows, to hear of issues such as dual play, facilities, competition structures, coach education and demographics.
At the meeting, GAA President Jarlath Burns said that the GAA faces huge demographic challenges, with over one million people under the age of 18 in the country, 500,000 plus new arrivals since 2016, record youth populations in fast-growing commuter belts and regional towns and 45% of the population now living on the eastern seaboard.
He added that there are ongoing issues around player retention, youth mental health, and volunteerism.
Both the GAA and Camogie Association have already been granted €100,000 per annum over three years under the national sports policy action plan 2024-2027, which supports the safeguarding and development of hurling and camogie, building on their UNESCO intangible cultural geritage status, which was recognised in 2018.
However, it was confirmed on Monday night that meetings have already been held with the government, with a pre-budget submission sent to the Department of Sport seeking increased funding for coaching and games development.
Developing hurling includes a target of growing the number of hurling units by 30 per year for the next five years and bringing the game into over 2,000 primary schools.
This year, 45 new units have already started playing the sport while another 75 existing clubs received a refresher pack, in a total investment of €95,000.
The GAA feel an opportunity exists for their organisation and the Government to act together to sustain Gaelic games, support for rural Ireland, provide for youth opportunity, and balance regional development.
Key objectives on the hurling side are: providing games opportunities; club support and development; building self-sufficiency and sustainability; cultivating the culture and heritage of the game, and equalising access to performance supports for players and coaches.
