CASEMENT PARK WILL be built “one way or another”, new Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has pledged.
However, Benn said it was not clear if the long-delayed redevelopment of the GAA stadium could be completed in time to host matches at the 2028 European Football Championships.
On his first visit to Northern Ireland since his appointment in UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet, Benn said Casement Park was “probably the most urgent issue” on his desk.
It was confirmed last October by Uefa that Ireland would host the championship with the UK, and the redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast was named as one of the ten venues chosen to stage games.
But there have been serious doubts cast about the rebuild of the stadium being completed in time.
There has been mounting speculation that the stadium is set to be axed as a venue for the championship, as the funding required to build the stadium in time for the tournament is still not in place.
Costs for the long-delayed project have spiralled with reports suggesting the projected costs could have reached £308 million (€360 million).
In 2011, the Stormont executive committed £62.5 million (€73 million) to the project.
Earlier this year, the Irish Government offered €50 million towards it, and the GAA has said it will contribute £15 million (€17.5 million).
Ulster GAA and the Irish FA recently wrote to former prime minister Rishi Sunak asking his government to bridge the funding gap.
Benn confirmed that it was a “very important project” for him.
“There are two issues. The first is the cost, which has continued to escalate.
“I think originally when it was conceived it was going to be something like £77 million. I have yet to receive a full detailed briefing, which I will get tomorrow, on the current estimated costs, but it’s a lot more money than that.”
He said there is “a certain amount in the pot”, but not enough to cover the increased cost.
“The second (issue) is we are into extra time on trying to get it built for the Euros. That is about discussions with Uefa. I am looking at this urgently, it is probably the most urgent issue on my desk.
One way or another, if it is possible in time for the Euros, if not, one way or another Casement Park will have to be built.
He added: “I am looking to see what can be done.”
Benn was asked to give a timescale on when a decision would be made about additional Government funding for the stadium.
“I think the honest answer is as soon as I am in a position to announce anything, so you will just have to bear with me,”he said.
In June, GAA president Jarlath Burns admitted that he was “pessimistic” about the prospect of the venue staging games in the showpiece soccer tournament in four years.
A few days later, First Minister Michelle O’Neill told a rally in Belfast that the park would be rebuilt “on my watch”.
O’Neill said her preference was that the ground would be ready in time for the Euros, but said that in any case it would be rebuilt while she is in office.
Contains reporting from Press Association
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say