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Contractors with excavators begin clearing the concrete seating terraces at Casement Park in March of this year. Alamy Stock Photo

Tánaiste welcomes Starmer’s funding 'commitment' to redevelop Casement Park in time for Euro 2028

‘I think the British government still has a decision to make in terms of the precise figures, but it’s a welcome announcement,’ said Martin.

TÁNAISTE MICHEÁL MARTIN has welcomed Keir Starmer’s “strong” funding commitment to redevelop Casement Park in time for Euro 2028. 

The Times has reported that the British prime minister informed Uefa that he will back a “bailout” to redevelop Casement Park in time for the European football competition.

Martin today said he welcomed this pledge from Starmer and noted that he had already held discussions with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn over securing this funding. 

It was confirmed last October by Uefa that Ireland would co-host Euro 2028 with the UK, with a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast named as one of the ten venues to stage games.

However, there has been speculation that the stadium is set to be axed as a venue for Euro 2028 given funding difficulties.

Costs for the long-delayed project have spiralled, with reports suggesting the projected costs could have reached £308 million (€360 million).

Speaking earlier this month, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said Casement Park was “probably the most urgent issue” on his desk.

The Irish Government has already earmarked €50 million towards the stadium, while the GAA has said it will contribute £15 million (€17.5 million).

Speaking today, Martin said “clarity” is needed “in terms of timelines”.

However, he added that Starmer’s message to Uefa is a “very strong commitment in respect to the funding provision”.

“I think the British government still has a decision to make in terms of the precise figures, but it’s a welcome announcement,” said Martin.

He added: “It’s all about working together in terms of the future of sport, as a reconciler, as community based, and in terms of international events coming to Ireland.”

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    Mute John Bathe
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    Feb 10th 2023, 4:29 PM

    Horrible design….. same as hundreds of terrible office blocks in Dublin.. what do you expect I guess when it comes to our “property developers “..

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    Mute Siobhan O'Sullivan Morrin
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    Feb 11th 2023, 7:29 AM

    @John Bathe: totally agree. Further the design will be out of proportion with the rest of the square and won’t reflect its character or add anything to it.

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Feb 10th 2023, 4:57 PM

    The current shopping centre is DREADFUL! Anything would be an improvement!

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    Mute McGuinness Ciaran
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    Feb 10th 2023, 7:25 PM

    Leave it as it is

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    Mute Gerry Dornan
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    Feb 10th 2023, 5:27 PM

    It’s a kip..

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    Mute Keth Warsaw
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    Feb 10th 2023, 5:30 PM

    Unfortunately function must take precedence over aestheticism for the extra floors. It’ll be a shame to see the 19th century style canopy gone. But yes, Ireland tends to shout out its whole ‘art style’ side, but when it comes to the crunch tends to play it safe, thus nullifying the sometimes brave requirements art and style demands. Some of course will say ‘but if you look close…’. I personally don’t want to look close – I want to be hit by the style from a distance and have no choice but to be overwhelmed with impressively designed impact. Think: The Gherkin building in London, but my favourite is the criminal law courts in Dublin saluting Rome’s Collesseo, rooftop plants mimicking the originals weeds.

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    Mute Martin Lynch
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    Feb 10th 2023, 7:46 PM

    Present building ruined the streetscape of South King St as it should have had shops opening onto the street instead of backs of shops and looks like new building not doing this either -amazed that F Mc Donald not notice this atall !

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    Mute John McCann
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    Feb 10th 2023, 9:13 PM

    Anything better than current centre. If McDonald had his way Dublin would still be as it was in 1800. Build up and make Dublin look like a modern city. It’s a Kip as it is thanks to DCC, dirty and dangerous

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    Mute David Saunders
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    Feb 10th 2023, 4:51 PM

    Same old rubbish

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    Mute Chris Gaffney
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    Feb 10th 2023, 9:00 PM

    Objectors should just take up knitting. More enjoyment for them maybe!!

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    Mute David Saunders
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    Feb 12th 2023, 2:13 PM

    Build rubbish and give themselves awards for it

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    Mute thesaltyurchin
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    Feb 11th 2023, 9:31 AM

    We’re hard work, Irish people.

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