Casement Park is ‘an investment in Belfast’ says Antrim football star Declan Lynch
Had Casement Park been built on schedule, Antrim might have been running out at the Andersonstown Road venue for Sunday’s must-win clash against Wicklow.
Instead, they’ll be in action at Corrigan Park on the Whiterock Road, less than two miles up the road.
Declan Lynch is in the twilight of his inter-county career. The window of opportunity for him to represent Antrim at the new Casement has closed.
Read more: This weekend’s GAA fixtures in full as the Allianz Football Leagues conclude
However, he has been and remains a vocal proponent of the project, which continues to be dogged by funding concerns.
The estimated cost to rebuild a 34,500-capacity stadium at Casement Park is thought to have spiralled from an initial estimate of £77.5m to approximately £170m.
Recently, the cost of the redevelopment was rumoured to be upwards of £300M – although the final costings have yet to be confirmed by the GAA.
While the Irish government has pledged €50m towards Casement, which is set to be one of 10 venues for Euro 2028, there remains uncertainty as to how the shortfall in funding will be met.
Last month got under way with the site set to be cleared between April and June and Lynch remains confident the project will be finally to delivered and on time for the Euros.
“Anyone who thought funding wasn’t going to be an issue or a topic of discussion isn’t living in the real world,” remarked Lynch.
“There was always going to be concern around it. The Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, only a matter of months ago is on record giving his commitment that Casement would be delivered.
“It is an Executive project. It has been agreed. The Irish Government has come in with money recently for it.
“The GAA are adamant they aren’t paying anymore for it, but I’m not losing any faith in it or losing hope. I’m more confident now that Casement Park will be delivered and it will be delivered in time for the Euros.”
He added: “You can see the work beginning and that will ramp up in the coming months. I think people should stay positive. We’ve come so far, why would we stop now?
“Every sporting infrastructure project around the world is costly. Look at the benefits and the positivity is brings – this is an investment. It isn’t just a stadium project. It is an investment for the North and the people of West Belfast and Belfast as a whole.”
Lynch also feels that the Executive should also deliver the funding that was promised to local football as part of the Sub-Regional Stadia fund.
At least £36.2m was earmarked to improve regional football grounds over a decade ago. However, like the Casement Park project, the funding needed now to bring stadiums up to standard is likely to be much greater.
“I’ve heard some media commentators staying funds should be put into grass-roots football,” added Lynch.
“The money is there for the sub-regional stadia project. If there’s more money to be found, happy days. If there’s more money for the soccer community and sport in general, happy days. Why would anyone oppose that? It will only benefit people.”
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