SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has called on the British Government and the Executive to reach a funding agreement for Casement Park.
It comes after the Irish Government said they would commit €50m to the project on Tuesday.
Mr McCrossan said the other interested parties must now respond in kind, with concrete funding commitments.
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:
“The Irish Government were clear that they were willing to contribute to the redevelopment of Casement Park and it’s time for the British Government and the Executive to follow suit by reaching a funding commitment so that we can move forward with the stadium rebuild in the coming months. While costs of have increased this is a long-standing Executive project and the Secretary of State has been clear his government would also contribute. It’s now time to deliver on that promise.
“A fully redeveloped Casement Park has the potential to completely transform one of the North’s most deprived areas. It will be far more than just a stadium, creating a world-class venue in the heart of Belfast that will provide a home for Ulster GAA with the ability to host major sporting and entertainment events. The Irish Government has led the way with funding on this project and I will be pressing the Communities Minister and Secretary of State to follow suit in the days and weeks ahead.”
SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty said:
“There has been a palpable sense of excitement in west Belfast in recent days following the beginning of exploratory works at Casement Park. It’s clear how much this project means to the local community and I can only imagine the response to the actual stadium redevelopment, never mind hosting events like Euro 2028 or an Ulster final.
“Seeing Casement delivered is a win for everyone involved. It will bring one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world to Belfast, provide a quality stadium and sporting legacy that will last for decades and create opportunity for people living in this area. Today’s announcement is an important step and we need to see full funding being secured in the near future.”