Ulster GAA ‘remains fully committed’ to efforts to host Euros at Casement

Ulster GAA has said it remains fully committed to efforts to host Euro 2028 matches at Casement Park but has revealed a funding decision from the UK government has been further delayed until after the UK general election.

The statement from the organisation came after GAA president Jarlath Burns expressed pessimism over the prospect of the GAA venue in west Belfast staging games in the showpiece soccer tournament in four years’ time.

In its statement to the PA news agency, Ulster GAA also stressed the need for Stormont’s Department for Communities to progress the tendering process for the construction work to ensure Uefa timelines are complied with.

It further called on the Stormont Executive to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the situation.

The derelict west Belfast ground has been earmarked as a venue for five Euro 2028 matches.

However, the funding required to build the stadium in time for the tournament is still not in place and there are concerns the ongoing delays will see Belfast missing out on a tournament being jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland.

Ulster GAA and the Irish FA recently wrote to UK prime minister Rishi Sunak asking the government to bridge the current funding gap.

On a recent visit to Belfast, Mr Sunak insisted the UK government will make a “substantial contribution” to the redevelopment – but refused to say how much or if it will happen in time for Euro 2028.

There have been reports that the projected costs of the rebuild could soar as high as £308 million in a worst-case scenario.

In 2011, the Stormont executive committed £62.5 million to the project.

Earlier this year, the Irish Government offered £40 million towards it, and the GAA has said it will contribute £15 million.

On Tuesday, Mr