Michelle O’Neill: Casement Park hosting Euro 2028 matches is ‘opportunity of a lifetime’

Plans to redevelop Belfast’s Casement Park into a modern 34,000 seater stadium have been on the table for more than 10 years.

However, political instability, issues behind the scenes and planning permission U-turns have led to protracted delays.

The United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland have now been confirmed as hosts of the 2028 European Championship at a meeting in Switzerland.

The football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales submitted a joint bid to stage Uefa Euro 2028.

The Italian and Turkish football associations, which started as individual bidders, decided to join forces and submitted a joint bid to stage Euro 2032.

More than 1.2 million Euro 2024 tickets are on sale now, and over 80% of the total 2.7 million tickets will be for the fans of the participating teams and the general public.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill welcomed the news today, saying Casement will host the Euro 2028 games.

“Uefa has confirmed the joint bid between Ireland and Britain for the 2028 European Championships has been successful, with Casement Park being one of the host stadiums for the games.

“This is an incredible opportunity of a lifetime.

“The hosting of this prestigious tournament will grow our economy, create jobs, and showcase everything that makes our island and people amazing.

“Football fans of Europe, we will see you 2028!”

The TUV has however said “questions remain” over Casement Park.

TUV Court Councillor Ron McDowell said: “The success of the Uefa Euro 2028 by Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic is something which will be welcomed by football fans across the British Isles and we look forward to the home nations putting on a great performance on one of the biggest sporting platforms in the world.

“That said, the decision to fund the redevelopment of Casement with a blank cheque from the taxpayer is wrong. No more public money should go to a project which was ill conceived from the outset, running massively over budget and encountering significant opposition from local residents.

“The GAA is well able to finance the completion of the project.

“Furthermore, it is worth noting that once built Casement will become a lucrative cash cow for the GAA.

“A little forward thinking by the powers that be would have resulted in a clause which allowed the public to claw back at least some of the cost of this project from profits generated by future events at Casement.

“Indeed, should the Secretary of State foolishly proceed with his suggestion to give the GAA ‘whatever it takes’ to finish the build then this provision should, at the very least, be built into the funding.”

A redeveloped Casement Park is slated to host matches at Euro 2028

SDLP Sports Spokesperson Justin McNulty has said the successful bid to host Euro 2028 is a huge opportunity for the North and the whole of the island.

Mr McNulty said that all relevant parties must commence discussions immediately to agree how the redevelopment of Casement Park will be financed so that work can begin at the first opportunity.

Newry & Armagh MLA Mr McNulty said: “Confirmation of the successful Euro 2028 bid gives the North and our entire island the chance to showcase its potential as a fantastic host for large-scale sporting events.

“This tournament will attract fans from all over the world to Belfast and our island, bringing a large boost to our economy and will build a fantastic sporting legacy that everyone can be proud of.

“Our focus must now turn to getting Casement Park built. The Secretary of State has said the British Government will find the money for the redevelopment of the stadium and the Irish Government have offered to help finance the project – the political will is there and we need to get everyone around a table to hammer out the details so that work can commence at Casement without delay.”

Alliance MLA David Honeyford described it as “fantastic news”.

He added: “This is such an incredible opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland, and our people. It will also help to build our economy, and unite our community.

“It’s time to get Casement Park built!”