Sunak promises 'major contribution' to Casement Park as NI Secretary highlights rising costs

Speaking during a visit to Belfast the Prime Minister said there would be a "wonderful legacy" from the football tournament in Northern Ireland.

However, the outgoing Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris flagged up the rising cost of the project.

He said that when he made a pledge to find the money for the stadium, costs were in the region of £166m but have since risen.

Parliament is due to be dissolved on May 30 – and while ministers will remain in post, they are only permitted to carry out essential tasks. That rules out any major policy announcements which can only be made after discussing it with the main opposition party.

The derelict west Belfast ground has been earmarked as a venue for five Euro 2028 matches.

However, uncertainty remains over funding to build the stadium in time for the tournament, with reports suggesting the projected costs could have reached £308 million.

In 2011, the Stormont executive committed £62.5 million to the project.

Earlier this year, the Irish Government offered £40 million towards it, and the GAA has said it will contribute £15 million.

Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has repeatedly said he is awaiting further clarity on funding for the stadium.

Mr Sunak was asked about the stadium following the publication of a report which suggested hosting Euro 2028 games would boost Northern Ireland's economy by more than £100 million.

The Prime Minister said: "We have said that we will make a significant contribution to Casement Park, the conversations are ongoing with the department.

"In all cases what I would also say is there is going to be a wonderful legacy of the Euros here in Northern Ireland."

Pressed on how much money the Government would commit, and when it would be available, Mr Sunak said: "Those conversations are ongoing at the moment, I can't pre-empt those."

A study by Grant Thornton – commissioned by the GAA – has said there will be an expected spend of £52 million on accommodation.

It also predicts a further £54 million on other expenditure such as hospitality and retail, if Belfast hosts matches at the Euro tournament.

That figure is well below the current projected cost of the stadium.

The study said it is expected that the 150,000 spectators would be made up of 40,000 unique visitors to Belfast along with 90,000 Northern Ireland residents.

It said that, with some spectators attending more than one game, the proposed five matches at Casement are expected to generate 180,000 bed nights for Northern Ireland hoteliers and other accommodation providers.

It follows analysis of data from Tourism Northern Ireland, the Hotel Federation and the Irish FA.

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