20 January 2026
SDLP Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Paul Doherty has welcomed long overdue progress at Casement Park.
He was speaking after it was confirmed that renewed work is set to begin at the end of the month.
Councillor Doherty said it must not become another false dawn.
SDLP West Belfast Councillor Paul Doherty said:
“People across West Belfast will be relieved to see work finally getting underway at Casement Park. It has taken far too long to reach this point and the local community and the GAA have been given repeated assurances in the past that failed to materialise. We cannot afford for that to happen again.
“A completed Casement Park has the potential to transform this area. It would provide a permanent home for the GAA in Ulster and deliver much-needed investment into a community that has waited years for progress. A major sporting and events venue in the heart of West Belfast would support local shops, hospitality and jobs, while finally ending the injustice of Gaels being unable to play in their own stadium.
“The First Minister has said Casement will be delivered. Now is the time to match those words with action. We have already lost the opportunity of hosting the Euros and the benefits that would have brought. What’s needed now is political agreement, secured funding and a clear, credible timeline to get Casement built.”