Casement Park 'may finally enter delivery phase' in 2026

The redevelopment of Casement Park is set to take a major step forward in the coming months with Ulster GAA secretary Brian McAvoy saying "it appears that we will finally be entering the delivery phase".

Writing in his annual report, McAvoy acknowledged the delays in delivering the stadium which last hosted a game in 2013, with planning permission for a 38,000 capacity stadium quashed by judicial review in 2014.

A redesign dropped the capacity to 34,500 was granted planning permission 2021, but rising costs have proven to be a thorn in the side with the initial cost of £78.5m rising to an estimate of £260m last year.

Casement Park had been included as a host venue for football's European Championship in 2028 but that would have increased the costs of redevelopment significantly to ensure the stadium met Uefa requirements with a deadline of summer 2027 for completion.

At that point, £120.5m had been secured between contributions from the Northern Ireland Executive (£62.5m), the GAA (£15m) and the Irish Government (£42m approx).

The UK government has since pledged £50m to the project and McAvoy said he is hopeful "additional inflationary funding allocation can be secured which should bring the overall funding package for the project to circa £220m".

"Now there is a clearer line of sight to make the project happen as we enter a new year," wrote McAvoy.

"The focus of the Casement Park team over the past year was on realignment for the project and a return to our original ambition to work towards delivering a provincial, fit-for-purpose GAA stadium in Belfast.

"A significant amount of time and effort in 2025 was also dedicated to working with Antrim GAA on an interim management agreement for the re-developed stadium which was required ahead of the re-location of the Social Club from the site to the new temporary facility at St Agnes' Hall.

"At the time of writing, indications are encouraging that we will return to site in January 2026 to complete our demolition programme, followed by a remediation and bulk dig contract that will prepare the site for future development."

Planning permission is due to expire in July 2026, leaving a race against the clock to make a start on the redevelopment.

McAvoy confirms the "principle of a phased delivery of the stadium is accepted" by the Planning Service, meaning it is likely to be done in parts to ensure the ball is rolling before time expires on planning.

Although no significant works were carried out in 2025, the technical team spent time on the stadium design and cost options.

"Work is progressing towards a deliverable, affordable scheme that meets the GAA's strategic requirements," McAvoy continued.

"As we move into 2026, it appears that we will finally be entering the delivery phase of the Casement Park Project—a significant milestone not only for Ulster GAA but for the entire GAA community.

"Casement Park is now firmly established as a key sporting, cultural, economic and social priority for the Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government and the British Government.

"Within our own Association and across the wider community it is more important now than ever to remain fully focused on the delivery of what has been promised and we must remain united and steadfast in our determination to ensure its delivery once and for all."