Residents challenging huge GAA stadium ‘denied protection of Executive’ court told

Residents challenging approval for a new 34,000-seat GAA stadium in west Belfast have been denied the legal “protection” of referring the plans to the full Stormont Executive, barrister Ronan Lavery told the High Court today.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Mar 2022, 17:51 BST
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon at a recent sod-cutting for the new Belfast Transport HubInfrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon at a recent sod-cutting for the new Belfast Transport Hub
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon at a recent sod-cutting for the new Belfast Transport Hub

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon acted unlawfully by granting planning permission to redevelop Casement Park without securing consent from her colleagues in the power-sharing administration, it was claimed.

Mr Lavery represents a group seeking to judicially review Mrs Mallon’s decision alleged that she acted in breach of the Ministerial Code.

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In July last year Mrs Mallon gave the green light for a new stadium being built at the venue in Andersonstown.

But some of those living in the area surrounding Casement Park are opposed to the scale of the estimated £110m project, due to its height, traffic, parking and noise.

The Mooreland and Owenvarragh Residents Association (MORA) is mounting a legal bid to stop the plans by disputing the lawfulness of the Minister’s decision.

The Executive Committee (Functions) Act, passed in 2020, provided ministers with more powers to take decisions without the need to consult colleagues in the Stormont administration.

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Paul McLaughlin QC, for the minister, countered that the 2020 Act removed any requirement to secure wider consent.

“The minister in this case exercised the power that the Assembly conferred upon her by making a planning decision without recourse to the Executive,” he said.

“In doing so she acted lawfully and consistent with her ministerial (authority).”

The case continues.

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