Casement Park ‘will be built’, says Michelle O'Neil

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Casement Park is an absolute priority and will be built, the First Minister of Northern Ireland said.

Michelle O’Neill issued a statement following reports that the GAA has conceded that the redeveloped stadium’s capacity will be far below its planned size of 34,500.

Plans for the West Belfast site have faced uncertainty because of a major funding shortfall.

The Irish Examiner said it emerged at an Ulster Council meeting earlier this week that a scaled-down version of the Belfast venue is now likely.

According to the BBC, the new structure will not be able to stage Ulster senior final matches; instead, it will be used for other provincial fixtures.

In her statement, Ms O’Neill said: “Despite obstruction and delay, real progress has been made in recent months, with diggers and workers now on site as the redevelopment moves forward.

“We must continue to build on that momentum.

“This project will be a game-changer in creating jobs, driving investment, and delivering lasting benefits for communities across Belfast, across Antrim, and across Ulster.

“I will continue working in partnership with the GAA every step of the way to deliver a top-class stadium that meets the needs of Gaels in Antrim and across Ulster.”