Casement Park: Redevelopment

Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) of the DUP asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, about the discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the redevelopment of Casement Park. Claire Hanna (Belfast South and Mid Down) of the SDLP asked about the discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for the redevelopment of Casement Park. Jim Allister (North Antrim) of the TUV asked how much funding the Government plans to make available for the redevelopment of Casement Park. In response, Hilary Benn stated that the Government is committed to ensuring that Euro 2028 benefits the whole of the United Kingdom, and they are working as quickly as possible with all partners to assess the options on the Casement Park project. Sammy Wilson expressed surprise that the Secretary of State had made the Casement Park project a priority, given the significant funding needs in other areas such as the health service and social housing. He asked the Secretary of State to assure the House that the Government's view has not been influenced by any personal interventions by the chief of staff of the Labour party. Hilary Benn responded that the Government has inherited a commitment to hosting the Euros at Casement Park, and a decision needs to be made as nothing has happened in the year and three quarters since the project was awarded. He acknowledged the cost has gone up significantly, and they are unsure if it can be built in time. Claire Hanna praised the Gaelic Athletic Association and expressed disappointment at the "dither" and "sniping" that has delayed the Casement Park project. She asked the Secretary of State to assure the House that Casement Park will ultimately be built. Hilary Benn agreed that the Executive is committed to the Casement Park project, and it needs to be completed one way or another. Jim Allister questioned why the Government is prioritizing funding for a GAA sports stadium over addressing the significant issues in the health service, with long waiting lists. He asked what would happen if the Euros do not come to Belfast, as the rugby and football stadiums did not receive any Treasury or Northern Ireland Office money. Hilary Benn acknowledged the powerful point made about the state of the health service in Northern Ireland, stating that the long waiting lists are a result of decisions the Executive has failed to take over many years. He expressed hope that sport can be a force for unity in Northern Ireland. Rachel Hopkins (Luton South and South Bedfordshire) of the Labour party agreed with the Secretary of State that the lack of progress on the Casement Park project is a result of the previous Government's inaction after the Euros were awarded to Northern Ireland and the UK.