UK government pledges €59m for Casement Park rebuild

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The UK government has allocated £50 million (€59 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 UK 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.

Plans for a 34,000-capacity stadium have been mired in uncertainty because of a major funding gap of around £150 million (€177 million).

The Government announcement includes £50 million (€59 million) to support the stadium being developed over four years.

Ms O’Neill said: “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.

“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.”