UK government urged to ‘make position clear’ around rebuilding of Casement Park

The UK government has been urged to “make its position clear” over the rebuilding of Casement Park in Belfast as a venue for the Euro 2028 tournament.

Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry was speaking after reports suggested the UK government has reservations about covering the funding gap, with a suggestion the latest estimate is topping £300 million.

The GAA stadium in west Belfast is one of the venues selected to host matches in the Euro 2028 football tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland.

Uefa officials visited the derelict site last week.

The redevelopment project has been delayed by a series of planning disputes and legal challenges and the initial estimated cost of £77.5 million has spiralled to at least double the original figure, with some suggesting the bill could exceed £200 million.

The Government has pledged €50 million for the stadium while the GAA has committed to provide £15 million.

The UK government is facing calls to stump up the shortfall to ensure it is rebuilt on time.

On Friday, UTV reported that a letter from Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons contains an official estimate for the stadium of around £308 million.

The letter reportedly includes an indication from Mr Heaton-Harris that the UK government “will not accept a position where it is expected to cover the scale of funding gap there appears to exist”.

Mr Farry said his party wants to see Casement Park developed as an important asset for Northern Ireland.

“In the short term it is required for the Euros in 2028, and then as a wider asset for the GAA and whole community in Northern Ireland,” he told PA.

“It is incredibly frustrating at the moment