UK Government's Casement Park boost hailed as ‘milestone' by GAA
THE DECISION of the UK Government to contribute €59million to the redevelopment of Casement Park has been described as 'a milestone' by the GAA.
Amid a row over funding, uncertainty surrounded the future of the west Belfast venue since it lost its
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Pacemaker Press 04-09-2024: Casement Park principal Gaelic games stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
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GAA President Jarlath Burns welcomed the decision by the UK government - but more funds are still needed
But the latest commitment from Westminster is a considerable boost as €140m has already been pledged by the GAA, the Stormont Executive and the Irish Government.
'We thank the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, the Chancellor of The Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, and the UK Government for their positive and generous contribution to ensure our provincial stadium at Casement Park is finally realised.
'From taking office, the Secretary of State was clear that Casement Park needs to be delivered.
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'He recognised the GAA's commitment and goodwill in sharing venues for the benefit of everyone in our society.
'His support and that of the UK Government now represents a critical opportunity to finish this NI Executive flagship project, delivering the last remaining stadium of the 14-year Regional Stadia Programme and helping to leave a lasting legacy for all of society.'
But with the Casement Park project set to cost approximately €305m, a shortfall of over €100m must still be met.
Burns added: 'We know, however, that this is not the final piece of the jigsaw.
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'There is much more work to do.'
GAA fans 'loved seeing and hearing' the late Micheal O Muircheartaigh as he features in RTE documentary Hell for Leather
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