Government decision on level of Casement funding ‘imminent’

STORMONT First Minister Michelle O’neill has said a UK Government decision on the level of funding it is prepared to commit to redevelop Casement Park is “imminent”.

It comes after Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said he’s still seeking clarity as to where the funding for Casement Park will come from, while confirming that no construction tender for the project has been sent out.

With the clock ticking down to Euro 2028, for which Casement has been chosen as one of the host stadiums, time is running out for the redevelopment project to be completed in time.

Uefa wants the west Belfast stadium built by mid-2027 at the latest, but Mr Lyons yesterday told Stormont’s communities that a tender for the construction of the stadium has still not been issued.

The Executive has pledged £62.5m towards the redevelopment, with the Irish Government putting up €50m (£42.8m) and the GAA contributing £15m.

A decade ago, the cost of the project was estimated to be £77.5m, but now that figure has soared to potentially more than £300m. It is unclear who will fill this funding gap.

Speaking to the media following a meeting with Secretary of State Chris Heaton-harris, Ms O’neill said: “Casement is a flagship project for the Executive and it’s now part of that wider Euro bid,” Ms O’neill told reporters after meeting Mr Heaton-harris.

“We all know the enormous potential that comes with hosting the Euros and playing our part. What the Secretary of State is saying is that the decision is imminent in terms of the British Government’s contribution to making it happen.”

The First Minister added: “I think there’s a recognition on their part that they have to contribute to this.”

Mr Lyons said he recognises the predicted economic windfall for NI that Euro 2028 will bring, but questions still need answered about funding Casement.

“There has been some difficulty getting clarity as to the final funding allocations and where the money will be coming from,” he told his department’s Assembly scrutiny committee.

“You will be aware there is an Executive commitment of £62.5m, and that remains for the redevelopment of Casement Park, with £15m from the GAA and a contribution of €50m from the Irish Government.

“There is a funding shortfall — I am seeking clarity on that.”

Asked about the status of the tendering process for the construction of the stadium, Mr Lyons said: “The department is now the contracting authority for Casement, but we’re not able to go any further in terms of procurement until we have clarity on where the funding is coming from.”