Northern Ireland

Casement Park: Jarlath Burns ‘pessimistic’ west Belfast stadium will host Euro 2028 games

The GAA president said ‘the carrot was dangled in front of us and then it was taken away’

GAA president Jarlath Burns said he fears the west Belfast stadium could miss out on the chance to host Euro 2028 games
GAA president Jarlath Burns said he fears the west Belfast stadium could miss out on the chance to host Euro 2028 games
By Suzanne McGonagle

GAA president Jarlath Burns says he is “pessimistic” that the Euro 2028 championships will be played at Casement Park.

Mr Burns said he fears the west Belfast stadium could miss out on the chance to host the games.

“It’s not looking as if we’re going to get the Euros,” he said.

GAA President Jarlath Burns said he is seeking an early meeting with the Taoiseach and Tanaiste over the Government’s criticism of the streaming service, GAAGO
GAA President Jarlath Burns

The derelict site has been earmarked as a venue for five Euro 2028 matches.

However, uncertainty remains over funding to build the stadium in time for the tournament, with reports suggesting the projected costs could have reached £308 million.

Stormont committed £62.5 million to the project in 2011, while in February, the Irish government offered £40 million under Shared Island funding.

The GAA has said it will pay up to £15 million towards the new stadium.

Speaking at the launch of the All-Ireland hurling championship in Co Clare, Mr Burns said while the redevelopment of Casement will continue, he did not believe it would meet the specifications or timescales required by UEFA.

“Having attended the final of the Europa League in the Aviva, I can see what UEFA brings to a stadium and to an event,” he said.

“West Belfast deserves that and we’re not getting it.

“It’s just a great pity because the carrot was dangled in front of us and then it was taken away.

Michelle O’Neill said she is determined to see Casement Park redeveloped
Work in continuing to clear the west Belfast site. PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA

“And actually the big loser here is going to be the game of soccer in Northern Ireland society and the economy.

“The Department for the Economy was waiting to weigh in with all sorts of other things that were going to come from there.

“It’s just a pity.

“But we’re still very hopeful and expectant that we’re going to get the funds to make a provincial stadium where we can play our Ulster finals.”

Stormont First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said a UK Government decision on the level of funding it is prepared to commit to redevelop Casement Park is imminent
Casement Park in west Belfast. PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY

Mr Burns also said work was continuing to clear the west Belfast site, but time could be against them.

“The whole project is being run by the Strategic Investment Board and they have been telling us that in order to get the tenders in and to find out what it’s going to cost, it’s going to take six weeks,” he added.

“And then there’s going to have to be another four weeks for appeals to that.

“We’re working away, we’re clearing the site and that. But at the end of the day, it’s UEFA and their timelines are important.

“It has to be up and running for almost a year before you can actually say that it’s properly functional, so I’m now pessimistic that the Euros will be played in Casement Park.”