Casement Park Construction to Miss Euro 2028 Deadline, Confirms GAA President

Casement Park, the ambitious redevelopment project in Belfast, will not be completed by the targeted Euro 2028 deadline, according to GAA President Jarlath Burns. In an interview with The Irish Times, Burns revealed that the construction timeline has been impacted by several factors, including delays in obtaining planning permission and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. “It is with regret that we must inform our members and supporters that we will not be in a position to meet the Euro 2028 deadline for the redevelopment of Casement Park,” Burns said. “We have faced a number of challenges along the way, including protracted planning delays and the significant financial implications of the current economic climate. These have unfortunately made it impossible to complete the project within the original timeframe.” Burns emphasized that the GAA remains fully committed to delivering Casement Park and is working closely with the contractors to minimize further delays. “We understand the disappointment this news will bring to our members and the wider GAA community,” Burns added. “However, we are determined to learn from the challenges мы encountered and to ensure that the redeveloped Casement Park is a world-class facility that our members and supporters can be proud of.” The construction of Casement Park is expected to cost in the region of £110 million, with the redevelopment set to increase its capacity to around 34,500. The stadium is set to host its first match when Northern Ireland host Denmark in the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. The news of the missed deadline has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans have expressed frustration at the delay, while others have praised the GAA for its transparency and commitment to completing the project.Casement Park, a stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been undergoing redevelopment plans for over a decade. However, the project has faced delays and funding issues, further pushing back its completion date. Recently, the chairman of the Antrim county board, Ciarán Burns, expressed pessimism about the stadium being ready for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, which Belfast was initially set to host.Casement Park, a stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been undergoing redevelopment plans for over a decade. However, the project has faced delays and funding issues, further pushing back its completion date. Recently, the chairman of the Antrim county board, Ciarán Burns, expressed pessimism about the stadium being ready for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, which Belfast was initially set to host. Burns cited the significant cost of upgrading Casement Park to meet UEFA standards, with estimates reaching over £300 million. Despite the British government’s previous indication of providing funding, their position has cooled in recent months. Burns also highlighted the impact of elections and “purdah” periods, during which governments are restricted from making large donations or announcements. He expressed disappointment with the slow pace of progress and contrasted it with the positive impact that a concert held by U2 in Sarajevo in 1997 had on that city. Despite the setback, Burns remains hopeful that Casement Park can be rebuilt to a lower specification at a reduced cost, allowing it to host Ulster GAA matches. The Irish government has pledged £43 million towards the redevelopment, and Burns believes this commitment will still hold true even if the stadium is not ready for the Euros. The redevelopment of Casement Park has been a source of anticipation and hope for the city of Belfast, but the funding challenges and delays have cast doubt on the initial plans to host Euro 2028 matches. Burns’s pessimism reflects the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the project’s completion and the potential impact on the city’s aspirations to host major sporting events.Casement Park will miss Euro 2028 deadline, reveals GAA president Jarlath Burns Casement Park, the planned new 34,578-capacity GAA stadium in Belfast, will miss the deadline for hosting Euro 2028 matches, GAA president Jarlath Burns has confirmed. The stadium was one of five shortlisted to host matches at the tournament, but Burns said that the GAA had been “left with no choice” but to withdraw their bid. “We are very disappointed to have to make this decision, but we have been left with no choice,” Burns said. “We have been working hard to meet the UEFA deadline, but it has become clear that we will not be able to do so. “We have explored every possible option, but we have not been able to find a solution that would allow us to meet the deadline.” The GAA had been hoping to have Casement Park ready in time for the Euro 2028, but the project has been delayed by a number of factors, including planning issues and funding problems. The GAA has now said that it will focus on completing the stadium in time for the 2029 All-Ireland football final. “We are now focused on completing Casement Park in time for the 2029 All-Ireland football final,” Burns said. “We are confident that we can meet this deadline, and we look forward to hosting the All-Ireland football final in a new world-class stadium.”