Chris Heaton-Harris expects the Casement Park redevelopment to be completed on schedule

Northern Ireland Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has indicated that the redevelopment of Casement Park will be completed in time to ensure that Northern Ireland does not miss the chance to host the 2028 European Football Championship.

The redevelopment of Belfast GAA Stadium, estimated to cost £308 million, has been dogged by controversy and delays, with reports suggesting European football’s governing body UEFA could remove the stadium from its list of venues for the 2028 European Championships.

Speaking to the British Irish Council on Friday, Heaton-Harris said an announcement on funding for the stadium would be made after the British general election on July 4.

Stormont’s management has pledged £62.5 million for the project, with the GAA and the Irish Government each committing £15 million and £42.5 million respectively.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the UK government will make a “substantial contribution” to the project, but has not yet given a figure.

When asked on Friday whether the British government was reneging on its commitment to Casement Park, Heaton-Harris seemed to suggest that this was not the case.

“I think you will find that there will almost certainly be a statement from the new administration in the future that suggests that the premise of your question may not be correct,” Heaton-Harris told reporters on Friday.

Northern Ireland’s deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said talks were likely to take place after the July 4 election.

“There have been a number of discussions and, as indicated, it is likely that this issue will be raised again after the general election, but we certainly do not expect any news on this before the general election,” Little-Pengelly said on Friday.

Sinn Féil MP Aisling Reilly said it would be “unthinkable” if Northern Ireland lost the chance to host the 2028 European Championships.

“It is unthinkable that we would miss the chance to host the European Championship, especially when we see the game now being played on our screens in Germany and the excitement across Germany,” said Reilly.

“Imagine seeing that in Belfast, imagine seeing that in the north and the opportunities that would give us. For me it is unthinkable not to get Casement built.”