Louth TD urges swift action on Casement Park development

Louth TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Sport, Joanna Byrne TD, yesterday raised the Casement Park project with Junior Minister for Sport, Charlie McConalogue.

Deputy Byrne said:

“I didn’t expect any earth-shattering groundbreaking news to be delivered today, but I had to raise the Casement Park project because of its huge importance and significance.

“The £43 million already pledged from this government is hugely welcome, alongside the £50 million from the UK government, £62.5 million from Stormont, and the £15 million from the GAA.

“However, the project is still someway short of the £260 million price tag, which will rise due to inflation.

“The delays that caused the price to rise are regrettable, but none of us want this opportunity to slip away and to look back on this with regret.

“It has to be said, after so many delays, we all want to welcome the huge progress on Casement Park over the last few weeks.

“The crucial thing now is to bring everyone together to ensure that work on the stadium begins as soon as possible. 

“This will be critical, not only for the GAA, it will be of huge social and economic benefit to Belfast and all of Ulster.

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“I also want to welcome comments by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste at the North South Ministerial Council on Friday re-iterating their commitment and stating that they stand ready to assist with the project.

“There was a collegial tone and atmosphere when Casement Park was spoken about after the North South Ministerial Council last Friday, from both Stormont and Leinster House Ministers, and that collegial tone and willingness to cooperate was also there today.

“We must now ensure that government do all they can to see the Casement Park project through to completion.”