THE GAA has welcomed today’s news of the important and significant £50m (STG)/ €59m contribution of the UK Government to the redevelopment of Belfast’s Casement Park.

It comes after an announcement in its Spending Review. The sporting body, which has 250,000 members in Ulster has said it’s a crucial milestone that will be a key catalyst in the final delivery of its provincial stadium.

Commenting on the announcement Jarlath Burns, GAA President said:

“We welcome this important and significant investment and we thank the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, the Chancellor of The Exchequer, Rachel Reeves and the UK Government for their positive and generous contribution to ensure that our provincial stadium at Casement Park is finally realised.

“From taking office, the Secretary of State has been clear that Casement Park needs to be delivered. He recognised the GAA’s commitment and goodwill in sharing venues for the benefit of everyone in our society, dating back to the Maze Long Kesh project, and more recently offering Casement Park as a EURO 2028 Championship venue.

“His support and that of the UK Government now represents a critical opportunity to finish this NI Executive flagship project, delivering the last remaining stadium of the 14-year Regional Stadia Programme, and helping to leave a lasting legacy not only for the Gaels of Antrim and Ulster, but for all of society.

“We know, however, that this is not the final piece of jigsaw and there is much more work to do. The GAA will engage directly, with the NI Executive and the Department for Communities to ensure that all parties actively pursue, and secure, a full funding package that will deliver upon the GAA’s strategic stadium need.”

Michael Geoghegan, President of Ulster GAA added:

“This is a very important announcement, and we would like to thank the Secretary of State and the UK Government for their support. For too long GAA members, players and supporters have been left behind with frustrations growing on commitments given but not delivered. With this announcement there is now growing momentum and belief that Antrim’s home and Ulster’s provincial stadium is a step closer.

“We look forward to the project getting started and hosting some of the largest, most exciting and significant games on the island of Ireland while also significantly adding to economic recovery and regeneration in Belfast and beyond.”