Statement from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons

Date published: 13 September 2024

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“The UK Government has confirmed that, having receiving expert advice and analysis, they are not in a position to make any contribution to Casement Park to host Euro 2028 matches.

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"⁠I have been informed that it would not have been possible to build the stadium in time and that costs had escalated to over £400 million. Therefore the UK Government have determined this as not being value for money.

"Following this announcement, I will engage with the UK Government and other partners to see how Northern Ireland can still benefit from hosting the competition and ensure that there is a lasting legacy for football in Northern Ireland.

"⁠The department remains committed to the 2011 agreement with the GAA for a GAA stadium and we will engage with them in due course.”

Notes to editors: 

 

  1. For media enquiries please contact the Department for Communities Press Office via email on Press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk
  2. Follow the Department on Twitter @CommunitiesNI
  3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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