Sir Keir Starmer gave 'serious consideration' to Casement Park funding says Simon Harris

Taoiseach Simon Harris has revealed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer seriously contemplated funding the redevelopment of Casement Park in time for the 2028 Euros.

The Taoiseach expressed a widespread sense of disappointment at the decision to withhold funding.

Simon Harris also indicated that the Irish Government is open to discussions about further assistance for Casement Park.

Read more: Casement Park funding decision branded a 'missed opportunity' for Northern Ireland

Read more: “It's utterly pathetic” - Antrim GAA legend slams Casement Park funding decision

During a visit to Derry, Mr Harris said, "It was a legitimate expectation for so many people for so long,".

He added, "In fairness to the new British Prime Minister, in many ways, he inherited this situation."

"We discussed it in July at Chequers and again in recent weeks at Farmleigh, and I know he gave it serious consideration."

"I can't speak for the British Government, but my understanding is there were concerns about the timeline for having a project ready for the Euros at this stage."

"However, we must look forward from this moment on with regard to this project.

"I thought the comments from the president of the GAA yesterday were excellent, I thought they were constructive, I thought they were pragmatic, I thought they were helpful because we need a Casement, we need a GAA stadium in Belfast."

On Sunday, the Taoiseach reiterated the Irish Government's commitment to its £42 million pledge to rebuild the sports ground.

During a visit to Derry on Monday, Mr Harris did not rule out the possibility of pledging further funding. "The Irish Government is open to continuing to have conversations about anything more we can do to help, but we're not quite there yet," said the Taoiseach.

He continued: "What we now need to see is what the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive wanted to do next. I spoke to the president of the GAA yesterday. I'm hoping to meet the GAA in the coming days. I'll stay in contact with the First and deputy First Minister, and with Prime Minister Starmer, but let's now try and get a bit of forward momentum going in this for once and for all, that's what has to happen next."

Adding to his statement, he said: "But what I've heard from everybody across the weekend is Casement is going to happen. Casement has to happen. The question is timelines, and the question is on what scale? We stand ready to assist in any practical way that we can."

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, speaking in Dublin, suggested that the Irish Government should be prepared to increase its financial contribution for Casement Park if required. However, she insisted that the UK Government "can't wriggle out" of providing money for the stalled redevelopment of the derelict GAA ground in west Belfast following its announcement that it will not fund what is required to rebuild the site in time for the Euro 2028 football tournament.

She highlighted that Taoiseach Simon Harris has already confirmed the 50 million euro pledged by the Irish government is still available.

"I think the priority is that Casement gets built," Ms McDonald told reporters in Dublin.

"Obviously, the British Government have to meet their commitments.

"I mean, they're not going to do it now to the higher level for the European soccer tournament. (That's) not OK, but that's their call.

"The critical thing is that the North and that west Belfast gets this infrastructure."

Ms McDonald said Casement Park still needs to be redeveloped.

"Remember, the commitment was made to this a long time ago. Rugby, correctly, was looked after, soccer/football likewise. So, the Gaelic sports now need a home, and Casement needs to be developed," she said.

"I would think that the (Irish) Government and the GAA and the British Government, we need clarity from all parties around the full extent of their commitment.

"Fifty million has been committed (by the Irish Government). If necessary should there be a bit more given? In my opinion, yes.

"I'm saying that though, conscious that the British Government can't wriggle out of their commitment for this.

"I know there was huge alarm and disappointment at the fact that they have somewhat stepped back from what I thought was a very clear commitment initially from Hilary Benn (Northern Ireland Secretary) and the incoming government."

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.