UK’s determination not to inject funding towards the renovation of Casement Park in Belfast has cast a massive shadow over Northern Ireland’s ambition of hosting games at Euro 2028. The government cited probable delays in construction as the rationale behind their decision.
Hilary Benn, Secretary of Northern Ireland, and Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, jointly communicated this decision in a letter dispatched to Gordon Lyons, the communities minister, on Friday evening. The communique was also disseminated to First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and heads of Northern Ireland’s political factions.
The letter attributed the risk of delays with the GAA stadium refurbishments to the slow progress in construction since the joint awarding of the Euro 2028 bid to the UK and Ireland last year. The expenses tied to the construction of Casement Park were highlighted as having escalated “dramatically” from £180 million in 2023 to an excess of £400 million.
The letter elaborated that the construction charges have bloated dramatically from October 2023’s £180 million to potentially over £400 million. Due to the considerable threat of not finalising the construction on time, they regretfully decided that it’s not in their interest to allot funding for the renovation for Euro 2028.
Benn and Nandy affirmed their intent to deliberate with stakeholders to discuss a feasible pathway for the future of Casement Park. They intend to keep discussions open with partners and Uefa looking ahead at Northern Ireland’s participation in Euro 2028.
They conveyed their commitment towards ensuring a positive impact from hosting the tournament across the UK, establishing a lasting legacy for the sport and people of all four countries, notwithstanding this impasse.
Post this decision, they express that the Executive’s allegiance to the project will be crucial. Consequently, they anticipate constructive discussions with NI partners, including the GAA, in the future weeks. The view to map future plans for Casement Park is the agenda for these interactions. The Irish Football Association has not yet responded to these developments.