Sinn Féin, Government and DUP Minister all in firing line over ongoing Casement Park delays

Belfast Telegraph

2 days ago

It comes after the Belfast Telegraph revealed that former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 'had all the information needed' to make a decision about funding as far back as May 2024.
A scheme to revamp the derelict Gaelic games venue in west Belfast – which was supposed to be part of the Euro 2028 tournament – has been stalled for years.
Plans for a 34,000-capacity stadium remain mired in uncertainty because of a major funding gap of around £150 million.
Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government, which succeeded Mr Sunak, has failed to move the project forward – although a decision on Westminster funding could hinge on next week's spending review.
So far, Secretary of State Hilary Benn has refused to say what the Government is willing to contribute towards regeneration of the west Belfast stadium.
Today, senior GAA officials are making an official visit at Westminster for the first time after an invitation was extended by Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood.
Alliance MLA David Honeyford said: 'There is seemingly endless delay from both the UK Government and the Communities Minister when it comes to Casement Park is deeply frustrating.
'We should be now talking about delivery, not further blockages.
'We have already lost the opportunity to host the Euros and the longer this delay goes on, the chance for Casement to be a location to host other events gets smaller.
'The current UK Government needs to not repeat the mistakes of the previous one, lay its cards on the table and get Casement built.'
Watch: Drone showcase of Euro 2028 venue in Belfast
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said: 'It's hardly a surprise that the previous Tory government could not be taken at their word and Casement Park was never likely to be a priority for them.
'What we need now is full transparency on funding from all involved and the urgency to get moving on this project.
'This stadium is hugely important not only to the GAA, but the local community in west Belfast.
'We have heard much from Sinn Féin about their desire to progress Casement and yet we are no further along.
'The blame cannot solely lie at the feet of the UK Government and the DUP Minister for failing to make meaningful progress.'
In response, Sinn Féin said that, 'just last week, Michelle O'Neill reminded Keir Starmer of the importance of completing Casement Park and the need for the British Government to honour the commitments made to the stadium's redevelopment.'
A spokesperson continued: "The British Government must clarify what funding it will provide to enable this game-changing project.
"The Communities Minister must also work alongside Executive Ministers to champion this new stadium and the incredible benefits it will bring.
"With the comprehensive spending review due next month, there is a clear duty on the Communities Minister to use every tool at his disposal to ensure delivery of this project.
"A new Casement Park is a flagship Executive project, and Sinn Féin is determined for it to be delivered."
A Government spokesperson said it is continuing to engage with all partners involved in the Casement Park redevelopment, including the Executive and the GAA, to 'assess the options available' regarding the project.
DfC has been contacted.