ULSTER Council secretary Brian McAvoy believes projects like the proposed redevelopment of Casement Park will “help kick-start the economy again” once society begins to move on from the coronavirus crisis.
Back in February Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey told MLAs that the budget for the west Belfast stadium had increased due to six years of frustration and inflation, and would now cost approximately £110m - £33m more than the initial estimate of £77m.
The future of the Casement project remains subject to planning approval and, after speaking to the minister yesterday, McAvoy expects a decision on its future soon.
“I was on a call with the Communities Minister this morning and she said Casement was one of the things she was keen to see happening very soon - as soon as is realistically possible,” he said.
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“A planning decision is imminent; we were hoping for a decision before Easter but obviously, with the current situation, that’s been put back. But hopefully in the not-too-distant future we’ll see some movement.
“Ultimately when things are up and running, big projects like Casement – because of the government involvement – it’s going to take a number of them to kick-start the economy again.
“It’s been a long wait, but when planners are ready they will make their decision. The latest thing they’ve told us is that it’s fairly close. Had there been no Covid-19, I would’ve expected a decision before now.”
And while major developments like Casement remain in the works, McAvoy says GAA clubs have been urged not to starting any new capital projects as the Association attempts to guide them through the current crisis.
A conference call was held between Croke Park and county board officials last week to examine their options looking further down the line, despite the uncertainty at every turn.
“It was to help them with their planning – what can they do and what can they not do,” said McAvoy.
“The main income for counties is club championships and all the associated sponsorship that goes with it so obviously if you don’t have a club championship, not only do you not get the gate receipts, you don’t get the sponsorship either.
“It’s quite a difficult exercise given that none of us really know where we’re going to be.”
The provincial body has also been in touch with clubs to offer support and advice in these trying times.
“We have a newsletter that goes out to clubs since Covid containing details about accessing help, we’ve had a number of financial webinars with clubs, and there are a number of initiatives that are ongoing.
“But the first thing we said to clubs was don’t be starting any new developments. That’s critical. If you have something on site, fine – a half-built building’s no good to anybody. But don’t be starting any new capital projects.
“Even in terms of something like grants, we’ll honour those that are in the system - we don’t know when we’ll be able to honour them but we will honour them.
“In terms of new ones, you go to the bottom of the list and it could be a long time before you get to the top. There were some clubs that were hoping to start developments in the next six to 12 months but I think they’ll probably have to defer those.
“That’s the reality.”
