Jarlath Burns, the GAA president, is growing increasingly sceptical about the feasibility of having Casement Park ready for the Euro 2028, considering it is set to host matches in just four years’ time. He’s worried about the constant postponement of the Casement Park revamp, which seems to be stuck in persistent political tug-of-war. Without a clear funding plan, he doubts the venue will be done in time for the Euros.
Burns noted that the Strategic Investment Board, who operates the project, has advised that nearly six weeks will be needed just to secure the tenders and cost estimation, followed by another month for any potential appeals. Even though the site clearance is underway, UEFA’s timelines are quite critical; the venue must be fully operational almost a year prior to its usability confirmation. So, Burns is now less optimistic about Casement Park hosting Euro matches.
Casement Park in Belfast, closed since 2013, was among the 10 venues included in the successful bid of the UK and Ireland last October to host the Euro 2028 tournament. As part of a €800 million cross-border funding package declared in February, the Irish Government allocated €50 million (£42 million) towards Casement Park’s redevelopment, with the GAA contributing £15 million (€17.5 million). However, the exact amount of the significant contribution promised by the British government remains undisclosed.
Back on site, escalating costs cast a shadow over the abandoned area. The initial budget of £77 million (€90 million) has increased drastically over the past decade, with recent estimates suggesting the cost could skyrocket to over £300 million (€355 million). And with upcoming elections in the UK, hopes of moving forward in the near future seem bleak.
Burns further explained, “When an election is called, a period we refer to as purdah commences, during which governments are prohibited from making major donations or announcements.”
The governing Conservatives’ avoidance of the matter is convenient for them yet places the Gaelic Athletic Association in an all too familiar vulnerable predicament, where their position relies on the goodwill of the British administration – a situation which has often not favoured them in the past.
The sluggish progression of recent happenings extremely disheartens me. The Euros seem increasingly out of our reach.
As a native of Northern Ireland who shares a unique bond with west Belfast, owing to it being my wife’s hometown, my belief was that this event would have left an impact equalling U2’s historic gig in Sarajevo, closing their renowned Zoo TV tour.
It was intended to herald the revival of this city, signifying its transformation into a contemporary, leading European metropolitan.
Last month, at the Europa League’s finale in Aviva, I witnessed firsthand what Uefa brings to a stadium and its related events. This is something west Belfast is deserving of, but is unfortunately denied.
It’s an immense shame that the proverbial carrot was held within our reach only to be snatched away. And ironically, the ultimate casualty is soccer in Northern Ireland, along with wider societal and economic implications.
The Economy Department was poised to infuse all sorts of additional benefits that the event was supposed to generate. This missed opportunity is deeply regrettable.
Regardless, there is a lingering sense of hope and expectation even in these circumstances – that the said funds to construct a provincial stadium for hosting our Ulster finals will flow in.