The GAA welcomes important and significant UK Government investment in Casement Park:
The GAA has welcomed the important and significant £50m (STG)/ €59m contribution of the UK Government to the redevelopment of Casement Park, following the announcement in its Spending Review today.
The sporting body which has 250,000 members in Ulster has said that, following the Irish Government’s partnership funding, the contribution of the UK Government is a crucial milestone that will be a key catalyst in the final delivery of its provincial stadium.
The GAA stated that the UK Government’s support was a recognition of the long-standing commitments given to redevelop Casement Park and, despite the missed opportunity of the EURO 2028 Championships, the goodwill and resolve of the GAA in providing Casement Park as a host venue.
The Association has said it will continue to engage and work constructively with the Northern Ireland Executive, the Department for Communities and all other partners to deliver upon the 14-year commitments to redevelop the flagship project.
Commenting on the announcement Jarlath Burns, GAA President said, “We welcome this important and significant investment and we thank the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, the Chancellor of The Exchequer, Rachel Reeves and the UK Government for their positive and generous contribution to ensure that our provincial stadium at Casement Park is finally realised.
“From taking office, the Secretary of State has been clear that Casement Park needs to be delivered. He recognised the GAA’s commitment and goodwill in sharing venues for the benefit of everyone in our society, dating back to the Maze Long Kesh project, and more recently offering Casement Park as a EURO 2028 Championship venue. His support and that of the UK Government now represents a critical opportunity to finish this NI Executive flagship project, delivering the last remaining stadium of the 14-year Regional Stadia Programme, and helping to leave a lasting legacy not only for the Gaels of Antrim and Ulster, but for all of society
“We know, however, that this is not the final piece of jigsaw and there is much more work to do. The GAA will engage directly, with the NI Executive and the Department for Communities to ensure that all parties actively pursue, and secure, a full funding package that will deliver upon the GAA’s strategic stadium need.”
Michael Geoghegan, President of Ulster GAA added, “This is a very important announcement, and we would like to thank the Secretary of State and the UK Government for their support. For too long GAA members, players and supporters have been left behind with frustrations growing on commitments given but not delivered. With this announcement there is now growing momentum and belief that Antrim’s home and Ulster’s provincial stadium is a step closer. We look forward to the project getting started and hosting some of the largest, most exciting and significant games on the island of Ireland while also significantly adding to economic recovery and regeneration in Belfast and beyond.”