Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)

Last week, we learned that the British Government had made a commitment of £50 million towards the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast. This follows on from a similar commitment given by the Irish Government back in 2024 to a similar figure through the shared island fund. When we combine the contributions from both Governments, plus the GAA's contribution, I think the figure is about £120 million. The estimated cost for the redevelopment of Casement Park is £260 million. That leaves a shortfall of approximately between £90 million and £100 million as things stand. According to an uachtaráin of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, for every month the project does not proceed, the price increases by £140,000 per month. Clearly, there is a solution in mind, and we all want to see Casement Park redeveloped. I firmly believe the solution lies in St. Tiernach's Park in Clones. Currently, it has a capacity of almost 30,000 and is in much need of increased funding. The current capacity estimated for the redevelopment of Casement Park is around 32,500 so the difference is not great, but there is a shortfall of £100 million. To put it mildly, the financial climate for all governments is uncertain at the moment.

I respectfully request that the Leader write to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and to the Minister for sport to ask them to consider rescaling Casement Park downwards to a capacity of 15,000 or 20,000, which would be adequate to host any matches that would take place with regard to Antrim GAA. It would be adequate to cater for all their needs. Instead, much-needed investment could be put into St. Tiernach's Park in Clones. That is the true home of Ulster finals and it is where the Ulster finals should stay. I would say the majority of GAA people around the country would agree with me on that.