SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty has said the UK Government’s decision not to provide funding to build Casement Park for Euro 2028 is a massive, wasted opportunity.
The decision was announced by Secretary of State Hilary Benn on Friday night.
Councillor Doherty said:
“There is outrage locally that after months of speculation the UK Government announced their decision not to help fund Casement Park to be ready in time for Euro 2028 on a Friday night. This is an incredibly short sighted move and the way it has been handled is very disappointing given the potential to host one of the biggest sports tournaments in the world in the North. When it came to funding, the Irish Government did not hesitate to step up and contribute and that stands in stark contrast to this decision.
“I understand that the costs of this project have increased, but hosting the Euros and building a modern stadium in our city would have paid for itself many times over. Not only would it have brought tourists flocking to Belfast in their droves, but it would have created jobs and significant economic investment in one of the most deprived parts of the North. We could have created a sporting legacy for generations and memories to last a lifetime. Instead, we get neither.
“When the Euros come to every part of these islands but the North we will realise exactly what we are missing out on. It’s damning that this incredible opportunity has been squandered. Attention must now turn to building Casement and delivering a home for Ulster GAA. While losing out on the Euros will sting for some time, Casement Park must be rebuilt and doing so will bring so much opportunity for the community in west Belfast and the wider GAA in the North.”
SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:
“The team at Ulster GAA put in an incredible effort to try and get this across the line in time for the Euros and to ensure that the North would reap all the benefits associated with hosting a tournament of this magnitude. That this has fallen apart has nothing to do with them and the blame lies solely at the feet of government who have moved too slowly, showed no ambition and now we must pay the price.
“Casement Park is more than a stadium, it’s the heart of the GAA in Ulster and it has lain dormant for far too long. The funding for this project was agreed all the way back In 2011 and the delays have had nothing to do with the GAA. Construction must begin at Casement as soon as possible so that we can look forward to Ulster finals, community events and all the other benefits a stadium like this will bring. Those responsible for missing out on the Euros should hang their heads in shame.”