The redevelopment of Casement Park stadium is unlikely to be completed in time for the 2027 Ulster Gaelic football final, despite an expected readiness by the summer of 2027. The stadium was also intended to host international soccer games for the Euro 2028 tournament.
The GAA had planned to organize a series of warm-up events, including Gaelic games, in the lead-up to the Euros. Some GAA supporters had hoped for the Ulster senior football final to take place at Casement Park in 2027.
During a session at the Northern Ireland Assembly, Justin McNulty invited Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to join him at the “newly-built” Casement Park in 2027 for the Ulster final. However, Mr. Lyons indicated that there were funding issues that need to be addressed before the stadium could be completed.
The projected cost of the Casement Park redevelopment is estimated to be £220m, a significant increase from the original estimate of £77.5m. The Irish government has pledged €50m (£42.8m) towards the project, but the funding remains a major concern.
Stephen McGeehan, head of operations at Ulster GAA, outlined the construction timetable for Casement Park. He stated that while the stadium is expected to be finished by the summer of 2027, it will not be ready for the Ulster final. Test events will be conducted later in 2027 to ensure that the stadium is ready for the Euro 2028 tournament.
The GAA aims to construct a stadium with a capacity of 34,500, in compliance with Uefa standards. Preparatory work began this week to clear the site for construction, which is set to begin later in the year.
The timeline for the Casement Park project dates back to 2013, when planning permission was granted for a 38,000-capacity stadium. However, the project has faced several setbacks and challenges over the years.
The delays in the Casement Park redevelopment raise concerns about its readiness for the Euro 2028 tournament, as well as its impact on the hosting of Gaelic football events in the future. With funding issues still unresolved, uncertainties surrounding the completion of the stadium persist.
In conclusion, the construction of Casement Park has encountered significant delays and challenges, casting doubts on its readiness for the 2027 Gaelic football final and the Euro 2028 tournament. The GAA and the Irish government are working to address the funding issues and ensure that the stadium is completed in time for future events. However, the current timeline raises concerns about the project’s overall viability.