Ireland is “absolutely committed” to providing €50 million towards the redevelopment of Casement Park, the Taoiseach has said.

It follows the UK Government's decision not to provide funding for the stadium's refurbishment in time for it to host Euro 2028.

Taoiseach Simon Harris will meet with representatives of the GAA this week to discuss the issue.

'Understandable disappointment'

He told Newstalk it’s important that the benefits of co-hosting the tournament are not lost.

"I'm very conscious that this weekend's announcement, that the British Government is not in a position to complete the development of Casement Park in time for Euro 2028, has been met with understandable disappointment,” he said.

“But let me be very clear: I remain absolutely committed as Taoiseach and the Irish Government remains absolutely committed, to honouring the €50 million contribution we have pledged to the project.

“I intend to engage closely with the GAA, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and of course with the UK Government in relation to this.

"It is essential that the positive effects of Ireland and the UK co-hosting Euro 2028 are felt in all parts of these islands and I look forward to working closely with stakeholders in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

Simon Harris and Keir Starmer at Farmleigh House. Image: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo

Meanwhile, in a statement, the GAA described the UK Government’s decision as a “missed opportunity.”

"Ulster GAA has taken every possible step to keep the project on track for the UEFA Euro 2028 Football Championships," it said.

"This included investing over £4m in critical aspects of pre-enabling works in anticipation of the procurement of the new main contractor."

"On his appointment to office, the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, on behalf of the British Government, gave firm commitments that Casement Park will be built, a commitment also given by his predecessor."

Commitment

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said that if the GAA meets Hilary Benn, he must promise that the stadium will be rebuilt.

"Hilary Benn, when he came into post, said that he was committed to the Casement Park project," she said.

"Indeed, the Irish Government has already pledged, as has the Executive and the GAA and I believe he now needs to recommit to the programme and contribute towards the rebuilding of Casement."

A derelict Casement Park pictured in 2013. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Hargey expressed disappointment that the stadium will not be completed on time to host the Euros.

“I think the decision not to proceed for the Euros is hugely disappointing,” she said.

"This is a big, missed opportunity that would have seen an economic return in excess of £100 million back into the local economy.

“I think we are all determined to ensure that we will see Casement built. Unfortunately, it won't be for the Euros, but we will see that happen as part of the regional stadia programme by the Executive.”

The total cost of redeveloping Casement Park, which closed in 2013, is estimated to be £310 million.

Main image: Casement Park has been derelict since 2013. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo