UK govt will not fund Casement Park redevelopment in time for Euro 2028

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has said that the UK government will not fund the redevelopment of Casement Park in time for the Euro 2028 football tournament.

The derelict west Belfast ground was earmarked to host five matches in Euro 2028, being jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland.

In a letter to Northern Ireland Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, Mr Benn said the cost of building Casement Park had risen to £400 million.

GAA Central Council delegates were informed at a meeting last weekend that the project would cost in the region of €306m.

The letter was also sent to First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, as well as the leaders of Northern Ireland's political parties.

Mr Benn said: "The estimated build costs have risen dramatically, from £180m when the Euro 2028 bid was awarded in October 2023 to potentially over £400m, and there is a significant risk that it would not be built in time for the tournament.

"We have therefore, regrettably, decided that it is not appropriate for the UK Government to provide funding to seek to build Casement Park in time to host matches at Euro 2028.

"This has been a very difficult decision to make, given our belief in the Euro 2028 partnership, but it is the only way forward in the circumstances."

Northern Ireland Secretary and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said in the joint letter that they will engage with those involved on "the appropriate way forward" for Casement Park.

"We will continue to work together with partners and Uefa regarding Northern Ireland's involvement in Euro 2028 moving forward, and remain fully committed to ensuring that the tournament positively impacts on the whole of the UK, providing a legacy for football and people across