Casement Park: £50m from UK Govt spending review for ground redevelopment

The UK Government has allocated £50 million to support the redevelopment of Casement Park in west Belfast.

The money was included in the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves' spending review, which outlines the Government's spending plans over the coming years.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said it is now time to get the GAA stadium built.

"Casement Park is an Executive flagship project and is more than just a sporting venue, it will serve as an economic driver for the surrounding communities and region, creating jobs and attracting investment," she said.

"Today's commitment of substantial funding from the British Government marks an enormous step forward. It is time for all of us to pull together to now get Casement built."

Plans for a 34,000-capacity stadium have been mired in uncertainty because of a major funding gap of around £150 million.

The Government announcement includes £50 million to support the stadium being developed over four years.

In a statement the GAA welcomed the announcement.

GAA President Jarlath Burns 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."

And the Tanaiste Simon Harris added: "I welcome the British government’s announcement today of £50 million for Casement Park, as part of the UK Spending Review.

The Irish Government has long supported the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast as a landmark sports infrastructure project."