According to Taoiseach Simon Harris, “regardless of the decision around Euro 2028,” the €50 million that the government has committed to the renovation of Belfast’s Casement Park would stay in place, reports RTE.
Although he acknowledges the disappointment, Mr. Harris said he is aware that the British government “wouldn’t have arrived lightly” at the choice.
Due to “a significant risk that it would not be built in time,” the UK government stated on Friday that it will not provide funding for the renovation of the abandoned GAA stadium in time for the football competition.
“Even if it is not going to be ready for the Euros, I think we now need to now look at how we can [keep] momentum going here, in terms of a forward-looking plan that delivers a stadium, and delivers for the GAA and delivers for sports needs in the North. We remain absolutely committed to helping with this,” reports RTE.
According to Mr. Harris, the Irish Government is still committed to supporting the project, even though Casement Park is ultimately up to the British government and the Northern Ireland Executive to decide.
Paschal Donohoe, the minister of public expenditure and reform, stated that it is too soon to say whether or not the government would be ready to commit further funding to the project.
Donohoe stated that the dedication of Casement Park will be recognised at “the right point” when appearing on RTÉ’s This Week, reports RTE.
The Northern Ireland Executive and the British government needed to handle the situation before the Government could fulfil its pledge, he stated.
As GAA President Jarlath Burns stated, they are committed to having the stadium restored despite being “extremely disappointed” by the UK’s decision over Casement Park.
“What we are asking the Labour government is to provide us with a sum of money that you are going to pledge to us, as said you would, to get Casement Park built to the specifications for an Ulster final that can hold 34,000 people,” reports RTE.
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