Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed the Government’s unwavering dedication to the renovation of Belfast’s Casement Park in readiness for the Euro 2028 football competition. He assured Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, of the Government’s unambiguous aim of seeing through the redevelopment of Casement Park so it will be ready to host the Euro 2028 tournament, confirming their financial support for this aim back in February.
Mr Harris stated that the Government remains steadfast in this commitment, working in partnership with both the Northern Ireland executive and the British government. Part of an €800 million cross-border funding package, specifically €50 million, was committed by the Government to the redevelopment, while the GAA promised €17.5 million. The British government committed to a “significant contribution” without providing an exact figure.
The Taoiseach indicated that the GAA in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Executive owns and operates Casement Park Developments. The funding method to deliver the refurbished stadium is for these partners to confirm. UEFA will decide in the coming weeks whether the renovated Casement Park in Belfast will host the Euro 2028 matches.
The topic was brought to the Dáil by Ms McDonald, following statements by GAA president Jarlath Burns, who voiced doubt about Belfast hosting the 2028 tournament. He mentioned restrictions during the British general election period, or “purdah”, and criticised the Conservative government. He expressed dismay at the project’s slow progress and indicated uncertainty about securing the Euros, given the GAA’s reliance on the British government’s goodwill.
Ms McDonald remarked that the chance to assist in hosting Euro 2028 was set as an additional incentive to complete this project which has sadly been plagued by postponements. Originally, a decade ago, the estimated cost was around €90 million, however, due to unforeseen circumstances, it has drastically escalated to approximately €355 million.
Expressing her deep worry, the Sinn Féin leader implied that the present UK government, run by the Tories, was withdrawing with a collection of unfulfilled pledges in its hand. She urged the Taoiseach to reaffirm the government’s obligation towards the financial support and materialisation of the newly restructured stadium.
Ms McDonald requested the Taoiseach to ensure that regardless of who helms the government at No 10 Downing Street, the commitment will be dutifully adhered to and bring an end to the halting, the postponement, and the poor premises. She expressed her desire to witness the actualisation of Casement Park in west Belfast.
Addressing her concerns, Mr Harris stated, “our dedication is unwavering and I plan to relentlessly pursue this whilst partnering with the Northern Ireland Executive and the British government”.