DUP Minister believes GAA should pay more for Casement revamp

November 21, 2024

A view outside a dilapidated Casement Park. ©INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter.

Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons thinks the GAA should contribute more than its original pledge of £15 million towards the redevelopment of Casement Park.

Despite the projected cost of the revamp having fallen to £270 million after the design was modified when plans to host Euro 2028 games were shelved, the funding shortfall is still about £150 million. When asked on the BBC Nolan Show if his department would increase its original commitment of £62.5 million, the Minister replied: "We had made a commitment back in 2011. We absolutely stand by that commitment.

"Ultimately, if there is any additional resource to be allocated, there are many other competing demands within sport as well and that will need to be done on a fair and an equitable basis."

"But I still think we need to tease out what is required and what is reasonable."

The DUP MLA added: "I think that the original contribution of £15 million should be looked at again by the GAA. I think it is reasonable for that to be looked at.

"If there is an additional contribution being looked at from elsewhere, if the GAA are looking for a stadium that will require more than the resource that is currently there, I think it is right that additional resource comes from the GAA also."


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