Casement Park: Taoiseach Simon Harris says €50million Irish Government has pledged to rebuild stadium remains

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said €50million his Government has pledged to rebuild Casement Park in Belfast remains in place.

The UK Government announced on Friday night that it will not fund the redevelopment of the derelict GAA stadium in time for the Euro 2028 football tournament.

Mr Harris said: “This weekend’s announcement that the British Government is not in a position to complete the development of Casement Park in time for Euro 2028 has been met with understandable disappointment.

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“The overriding factor is the doubt around Casement being ready in time for the tournament and its test events.

“I share the disappointment that Euro 2028 games will not be played at a redeveloped Casement, but we must not lose sight of the opportunity to have another top-class sporting facility in a city that thrives on sport.

“I will meet with the GAA in the coming week, and I have already confirmed to Prime Minister Starmer that the 50 million euro the Irish government pledged to the project will remain in place, regardless of the decision around Euro 2028.”

Mr Harris said how to proceed with the Casement project is now a matter for the Stormont Executive and the UK Government.

He added: “I will engage with the First and deputy First Ministers on how we can help.”

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