Cricket Ireland have finalised a Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme (TAPP) agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is the first of the five members awarded extra funding by the ICC to have done so.

The US$1.5 million fund will be used to help Cricket Ireland launch an elite domestic competition structure, create an academy system for youth development and set up fixtures against Full Member countries.

The TAPP funding is an ICC initiaitve aimed at develop more competitive teams at the highest levels of international cricket. Netherlands, Scotland, the West Indies and Zimbabwe are also due to receive funding under the programme.

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On signing the agreement, Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom said: "It is terrific to be the first Member to sign a TAPP agreement with the International Cricket Council.

"We are extremely grateful to the ICC for instituting such a forward-thinking programme of support and we’re delighted to be the first member to get to this stage. We have no doubt that TAPP will help us to be even more competitive on the world stage."

ICC President Alan Isaac added: "I am delighted to have witnessed the signing of the first TAPP agreement this week here in Dubai. Cricket Ireland provided an excellent submission to the ICC Board and I am sure they will do their very best to deliver those plans now that the organisation has the funding in place."

© Cricket World 2012