The Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association chief is confident that the Casement Park stadium will be built in time for the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship, despite challenges in funding. This comes after a joint bid by the four British nations and Ireland to host the championship was successful, with 10 cities set to benefit from the event. However, two participating cities, including Belfast, face difficulties due to stadium capacity issues.
The biggest football ground in Belfast, Windsor Park, is considered too small to host Euro games. As a result, the focus has shifted to Casement Park, owned by the Gaelic Athletic Association. Initial plans for the reconstruction of the stadium were set at £76 million, with contributions from various sources including the local government, Irish government, and the GAA. However, delays in funding approval from the British government have led to escalating construction costs, now estimated at £300 million.
With construction costs skyrocketing and delays persisting, there are concerns that Belfast may be at risk of being dropped as a host city for Euro 2028. This could result in Dublin taking its place. Local politicians and business leaders are pressuring the UK government to approve the necessary funding to ensure the stadium is ready in time for the championship. Hosting the games could bring significant economic benefits to Belfast, with estimated spending reaching close to £200 million.
The new Labour government in the UK is facing challenges in securing the outstanding funding for Casement Park. The recent revelation of a £22 billion budgetary hole left by previous Conservative governments has resulted in the cancellation of many infrastructure projects. The new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, acknowledges the urgency of approving the budget for the stadium redevelopment, especially with the championship drawing closer. However, no specific timeline has been provided for when construction will commence.
Despite the funding challenges and uncertainties surrounding the construction timeline, there is optimism that Casement Park will be built eventually. The potential economic impact and the opportunity to showcase Belfast to a global audience are driving efforts to ensure the stadium is ready for Euro 2028. Local politicians, business leaders, and community members are all advocating for the necessary funding to be approved promptly to avoid missing out on this golden opportunity for the city. The clock is ticking, and decisive action is needed to secure the future of Belfast as a host city for the prestigious championship.
