Decision on Casement Park funding expected this week

A decision by the UK government on funding for the Casement Park project is expected later this week.

RTÉ Sport understands that a final funding programme for the long-delayed project must be confirmed before 16 September in order to meet timelines for Euro 2028.

Ulster GAA have been working intensely on the project to keep hopes alive of the stadium being redeveloped in time to host Euro 2028 matches with the target of main construction beginning in January.

It is understood the redevelopment will involve a 30-month construction period.

Political discussions between the British and Irish governments were held on the cost and funding of the project last weekend.

Euro 2028 is a joint British and Irish-backed tournament and Casement Park was chosen as one of the venues to host matches alongside stadia in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

The ground has been closed since 2013, but Ulster GAA secured substantial funding from the Irish Government, and it is also understood there is an openness to increase that funding.

Last weekend Keir Starmer met Taoiseach Simon Harris at Farmleigh House in Dublin - the first official visit of a British Premier Minister here since 2019.

With the Irish Government keen to reset Anglo/Irish relations in the post-Brexit era, there were hopes that an announcement on the final funding of the project may have come at that point.

Instead, the wait continues with the 16 September cut-off point approaching.

Originally, the project was estimated to cost around £80m, but now estimated costs could lie at just over £300m.

Thus far, the NI Executive has pledged £62.5m, the Irish Government £43m, and the GAA have committed £15m.

GAA Central Council delegates were also informed at the weekend that