'Cautious optimism' surrounding Ireland and UK hosting Euro 2028

Updated at 13:48

Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne has expressed cautious optimism that Ireland and the UK will co-host Euro 2028.

“I don't take that for granted at this point. But this is going well with a very, very good bid.

"I think that the key thing actually for me, apart from the football excitement and all of that, is that it's the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in 2028.

"The idea that we're working together with Northern Ireland, with Wales, England, Scotland, I think it's hugely significant, and I think that it's much needed now in the post-Brexit environment and the difficulty we've had among these islands in recent years. I think it's really, really positive and sport can bring us together.”

Mr Byrne told RTÉ radio’s News at One that the State will be providing “major funds”, but that there will have to be a very detailed cost benefit analysis to make sure that the state is getting value for money.

The figures were not being released yet because of the competitive bidding process and commercial sensitivity.

“We have no problem releasing them in due course after that, after the process ends.”

When asked about the possibility of Casement Park in Northern Ireland being a venue, Mr Byrne said he had received a commitment from the British Government, from the Secretary of State that the ongoing work at Casement Park would be completed in time.

“I think that's a really good news story as well, that there's going to be a GAA stadium that is going to be used for football in Northern Ireland. That's a good sign about what is happening, I hope, in Northern Ireland, and it has the backing of the British government. But obviously there's a lot of work to do, but I'm confident that they will do it.”

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