Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley has said that the Community Minister’s potential bid for additional funding above that already allocated for the redevelopment of Casement Park will have to be weighed against the most vital services which require investment for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Commenting after Mr Buckley raised the issue of a potential bid for an additional £33 million pounds at a meeting of the Communities Committee he said, 

“There is a commitment within the New Decade New Approach document complete the regional stadia programme of which the development of Casement Park is part, and that is obviously something the Executive will remain committed to.

However, there is very real public concern about the pressures on vital services such as hospitals and schools and the demand is to ensure these are prioritised for additional funding. Taking difficult decisions is the essence of politics, but that is particularly the case when funding is scarce. 

Before any decision is taken, the Minister must look at all options including speaking to the GAA about their contribution to the project. The GAA’s revenue increased 16% between 2018 and 2019, standing at over £60million.

This is obviously a project which should have been completed many years ago, and the reasons behind its failure are well known. The Communities Minister is obviously keen to see its quick progression, but finance alongside local community concerns surrounding safety and road access must be taken into consideration.  it cannot simply be a case of allocating extra resources without question.”