National Development Plan

Five counties identified for the Hurling plan. Kerry, Westmeath, Antrim, Down and Laois?. Are there not some more deserving cases. Is it a case that the centre has identified these as the next tier below the traditional counties.
Quite surprised to see both Down and Antrim for separate reasons. Antrim have been like the next great white hope for years until the Dubs actually did something. Down experimented with a South Down (non Ards) serlect until this season when the county board decided enough was enough. Not sure of the amount of money to be invested or what the actual outcome is likely to be.