Taxpayers should not have to foot bill says UUP as Casement Park costs soar by £33m
THE taxpayer has been asked to fork out another £33million to redevelop Casement Park after costs rocketed due to delays.
According to Radio Ulster’s Stephen Nolan show, a letter from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey dated February 17 said the project would cost substantially more than the £77.5m estimated in 2012.
The GAA offered £15m towards the funding of the project.
The organisation recently said it would not be increasing that offer despite record-breaking revenue of €74m last year, up 16% on the previous year.
With Stormont’s budget facing a £600m shortfall, Ulster Unmeans. ionist MLA Andy Allen said politicians knew difficult decisions had to be made.
“We can’t repeatedly be going back to the Treasury to ask for top-ups. We need to be fiscally responsible and live within our This will be a decision ultimately for the Executive,” Mr Allen added.
“I believe that the Casement Park project should be delivered within the budget. A 50% increase on the public purse is not realistic.”
The redevelopment has been delayed by legal action following local objections. The absence of an Executive also slowed the planning process.
Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey said his party would be seeking meetings with stakeholders to discuss the project.
“The development of Casement Park will have a positive impact on the lives of people in the area, providing opportunities around investment and job creation,” he added.