GAA slams UK government's Casement Park U-turn in hard-hitting response
Croke Park bosses are seeking a meeting with Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, after the shock decision to pull funding for the derelict stadium
GAA chiefs have issued a hard-hitting response to the UK government's decision not to fund the redevelopment of Casement Park in time for Euro 2028.
Croke Park bosses insist that the derelict stadium in Belfast will be rebuilt and have requested an "urgent" meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to "agree next steps".
The decision has quashed plans for Casement Park to host five Euro 2028 games and the GAA statement added that the u-turn is a "missed opportunity that our entire society will look back on with considerable regret".
READ MORE: UPDATE: Reaction from Euro 2028 co-hosts to devastating Casement Park development
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The UK government's announcement was made in a joint letter by Benn and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons on Friday.
It was a move that shocked many, given the UK government's previous commitment to the redevelopment in association with the Irish government and the GAA.
The joint letter said that costs have spiralled to £400m, making the project a "significant risk" as it might not be completed in time for Euro 2028, which will be jointly hosted by Ireland and the UK.
Ulster GAA had released a short statement on the decision on Friday night that read: "It is bitterly disappointing for the GAA, our partners in the IFA and for the wider sporting community. We will provide a more detailed response later this weekend.”
The FAI's interim CEO David Courell, speaking today at the association's AGM, said that the decision could lead to more Euro 2028 games taking place in the Republic of Ireland.
"If UEFA sees the value in taking additional games to Dublin, we would welcome it," said Courell. "We all had an aspiration to see Northern Ireland feature as a host venue for the tournament, unfortunately it hasn't come to pass."
The GAA statement in full
"Confirmation that Belfast will not be hosting the UEFA Euro 2028 Championships is a missed opportunity and it is one that our entire society will look back on with considerable regret.
"Ulster GAA has taken every possible step to keep the project on track for the UEFA Euro 2028 Football Championships.
"This included investing over £4m in critical aspects of pre-enabling works in anticipation of the procurement of the new main contractor.
"On his appointment to office the Secretary of State Hilary Benn, on behalf of the British Government, gave firm commitments that Casement Park will be built, a commitment also given by his predecessor.
"We have sought an urgent meeting with him to agree next steps.
"Casement Park will be built, and we will work with all partners to ensure that the promises made by the NI Executive over 13 years ago and within successive Programmes for Government, to deliver on the strategic stadia need of the GAA in the province and in Belfast, Ireland’s second city, are fulfilled.
"As we continue to work towards the delivery of the new Casement Park, which will host Gaelic Games at all levels, and be a community hub for West Belfast, we would like to thank Gaels throughout Antrim, Ulster and Ireland for their patience, commitment and unwavering support for the project over many years."
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