Sun Sep 15 11:43:45 UTC 2024: ## Casement Park Dropped from Euro 2028: UK Government Pulls Funding
**Belfast, Northern Ireland** – The UK government has announced it will not fund the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast in time for the Euro 2028 championships, citing significant risks of project delays. The decision has sparked disappointment and raised concerns about the venue’s future.
The Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, revealed that the cost of the project has ballooned to £400 million (€470 million). Ulster GAA, the Northern Irish football association, and the wider sporting community expressed their “bitter disappointment” at the news.
Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris stated that the “overriding factor” is the doubt around Casement Park’s readiness for the tournament and its test events. He stressed the importance of having a top-class sporting facility in Belfast, but acknowledged the need to move forward.
Despite the setback, Harris confirmed that Ireland remains committed to co-hosting the Euro 2028 championships with the UK and that the Irish government’s €50 million pledge to the project will remain in place.
He plans to meet with GAA officials next week and engage with Northern Ireland’s First and deputy First Ministers to discuss future plans. The focus remains on ensuring the positive effects of the co-hosting are felt across all parts of Ireland and the UK.
The UK’s decision to pull funding raises concerns about Casement Park’s inclusion in the Euro 2028 tournament, but Harris has vowed to work closely with the UK and stakeholders to achieve a positive outcome.
First Piper 