Focus remains on building Casement Park in time for Euros – O’Neill

By Jonathan McCambridge and David Young, PA

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said she remains focused on making sure Casement Park is rebuilt in time for Euro 2028.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she believed the UK Government was examining value for money issues ahead of making any commitment over the stadium.

The derelict west Belfast GAA ground has been earmarked to host five matches in Euro 2028, being jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland.

However, the funding required to rebuild the stadium in time for the showpiece football tournament is not in place, prompting concerns that the delays will see Belfast missing out.

There has also been mounting speculation that the long-delayed redevelopment of the GAA stadium would not be completed in time for the Euros.

In an interview with the PA news agency, Ms O’Neill said it would be a “false economy” if the Government did not announce funding in time for the stadium to be built for the Euros.

She said: “It is still in plan A and plan A is still to deliver Casement as part of the Euros bid.

“I think that is crucially important and a huge opportunity not to be missed.

“It would be such a false economy for the British Government to sit back and allow that to pass us by.

“I am still focused on making sure we get the right outcome here, that we do get the outcome which is Casement delivered as part of the Euros.

“We are pushing very hard for a decision by the British Government.

“To date that hasn’t been forthcoming but let’s just hope that it is because obviously the time is ticking.”

Ms Little-Pengelly pointed to budget constraints across the UK.

She said: “Certainly from the UK Government’s perspective, similar to our duties here, if there is a responsibility in terms of any funding decision that there has to be that element of deliverability, of affordability and value for money.

“I am in no doubt that that is what they are looking at.

“Make no mistake, our budget is incredibly tight.

“That is the same right across the UK.”

Costs for the long-delayed Casement project have spiralled, with reports suggesting the projected costs have soared beyond £300 million.

In 2011, the Stormont executive committed £62.5 million to the project.

The GAA sporting body said it will contribute £15 million.

The Irish Government has offered roughly £42 million towards the project and indicated it may be open to spending more.