Completion of Casement Park 'a key priority'

The Ulster GAA has welcomed a commitment in the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal to see the completion of Casement Park.

Minister said there is hope that planning permission for the stadium in west Belfast can be signed off by Easter.

The last game to be played there was in 2013.

Communities Minister Dierdre Hargey and Finance Minister Conor Murphy, of Sinn Féin, visited the grounds on Wednesday.

Ms Hargey said: “I am determined to do all I can to see the project started at the earliest opportunity.

“As we can see from the redevelopment of the Windsor Park Stadium and the Kingspan Stadium, these projects have a positive impact for the whole community, which goes far beyond the benefits for sport."

Mr Murphy said: "Casement Park is a key commitment within 'New Decade, New Approach' and I fully intend to deliver on the required funding.”

The Ulster GAA said it looks forward to delivering an “iconic stadium”.

Tom Daly, chairman of the Casement Park Project Board, said: “Ulster GAA, the Casement Park Project Board and our members throughout Ulster warmly welcome the commitment provided within ‘New Decade, New Approach’ to see the completion of the Regional Stadia Programme and the GAA’s new provincial stadium in West Belfast.

“It is a reflection of their commitment to the project and to the sporting and economic benefits that a new Casement Park will provide that the Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey and the Minister of Finance Conor Murphy visited the site within their first few days in office.

“We will continue to work closely with the Department for Infrastructure to conclude the planning assessment, as we look forward to delivering an iconic stadium for Gaels throughout Ulster.”