Taoiseach Simon Harris has refused to commit any further Irish government funding towards the rebuild of derelict Casement Park.
Speaking today during his first official visit to Derry, Mr Harris said he “wasn’t ruling out or in” addressing funding in the future, adding that he now wanted to see “forward momentum” on the issue.
The Taoiseach will carry out a series of engagements with political, civic society and community leaders during his visit to Derry.
He met the city’s first black mayor, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, during his trip to the North West.
The Irish Government has already pledged €50 million towards the redevelopment of Casement Park. The GAA has pledged €58 million towards the project.
When asked about Casement Park after the British Government announced it would not fund the redevelopment of the west Belfast stadium in time for the Euro 2028 football tournament because of spiralling costs, Mr Harris said he was confident Casement Park would go ahead.
The Taoiseach said he had engaged with stakeholders and questions of timelines and scale now arise – but that his government “stands ready to assist in any practical way we can”.
That moment hasn’t arrived yet, he added, as the Irish government wants to see what the British government and NI Executive want to do next.
He said: “We need a Casement. We need a GAA stadium in Belfast. We need somewhere that can host Ulster finals.
“We need somewhere that can host serious and important matches in terms of scale and that’s what needs to happen.”
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