Govt could increase Casement Park funding - Taoiseach

The Taoiseach has indicated that the Government will be prepared to increase its share of funding to build the GAA's new Casement Park stadium in west Belfast.

The Government has pledged to contribute £40m to the project, but the estimated cost has now soared from an initial £77m to more than £300m to have the venue built in time to host Euro 2028 games.

Simon Harris told BBC Northern Ireland's Sunday Politics Show that the Irish Government "won't be found wanting"

Asked if the Government would be prepared to increase its pledged funding, he replied: "In principle we are, but I think we have to take a little step back here."

Mr Harris said he welcomed remarks by new Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn last Sunday that the stadium will be built "one way or another", and said the question now is one of timing.

"I think it would be a huge missed opportunity. if we had a situation where the Euro 2028 was being hosted across these two islands, and that we couldn't see games played in Northern Ireland," he added.

"I'd really like to see that happen. I'd like to work constructively with Prime Minister [Keir] Starmer and with my colleagues across government, with the Northern Ireland Executive, the GAA and others to see how best to move forward."

The planned stadium will be on the agenda when the Taoiseach meets Mr Starmer at the UK Prime Minister's country residence Chequers on Wednesday.

"Certainly when I meet the British Prime Minister on Wednesday, I'd like to explore further what that means in terms of next steps," Mr Harris said.

"What that means in terms of timelines, and potentially what that could mean in terms of quantum, in terms of meeting the cost of the project. The Irish government won't be found wanting."

Legac