The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has invited expressions of interest in the next phase of the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast. The project has stalled due to rising costs and uncertainty over funding sources.

Minister calls for realism, GAA moves forward

The failure to redevelop Casement Park is not the fault of unionist ministers, Gordon Lyons told the Northern Ireland Assembly. The DUP Communities Minister called for realism regarding the project, stressing that it could only proceed with additional funding or a more modest plan to rebuild the GAA stadium in west Belfast. Lyons acknowledged the frustration surrounding the lack of progress but emphasized that the main obstacle remains the financial gap between available funds and the project's actual cost.

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Ulster GAA has now published a prior information notice on plans to carry out remediation works at the Andersonstown Road site. The works would involve the excavation and management of 107,000 cubic meters of material. The notice states that the construction of the new Casement Park stadium will commence in 2026, subject to securing funding. Companies interested in carrying out the works have been asked to provide estimates of the project duration and proposed methodology. The GAA has stated that the responses will be used to shape the final tender document.

Despite Euro 2028 setback, Casement Park redevelopment remains costly

Casement Park was opened in 1953 and closed in 2013 for redevelopment. However, the project became entangled in planning disputes, and the years spent awaiting approval led to a significant rise in costs. The latest permission allows for the construction of a 34,500-capacity stadium. Initially, the Northern Ireland Executive pledged £62.5 million, with the GAA set to contribute £15 million. However, costs far exceeded the original estimate of £77.5 million. At one point, the stadium was expected to host UEFA Euro 2028 matches, but the plan was abandoned when the UK government refused to cover the funding shortfall needed to meet tournament standards. The cost of upgrading the stadium to Euro 2028 compliance was estimated at £400 million. As a result, the stadium plans were revised to reflect the changed requirements.

After Casement Park was removed from the Euro 2028 host venue list, the estimated redevelopment cost was reduced to £270 million, but a funding shortfall of approximately £150 million still remains. Stormont continues to consider Casement Park a priority project, but its completion will depend on securing additional financing.