Casement Park redevelopment recommended for approval

Casement Park in Belfast (PA)

The GAA has welcomed confirmation today that a ministerial recommendation has been made for planning approval for the redeveloped Casement Park project in Belfast.

After what was a long-running and controversy-dogged plan to redevelop the Antrim GAA ground, Stormont infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon announced her decision on the planning application on Tuesday morning.

The GAA’s efforts to develop the old stadium site have been mired in contention, with initial planning approval for a 38,000-capacity venue quashed by the High Court in 2014 following a challenge by nearby residents.

GAA President John Horan and Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan described it as a "significant day" in a joint statement, not just for Antrim and Ulster, but for the wider GAA community.

“The announcement represents a major step in the direction of fully realising the potential of a redeveloped Casement Park and the positive impact that it will have in the second largest city on the island and on the GAA community across the province of Ulster," they said.

“A lot of time and energy has been invested in bringing the project to this juncture and all involved deserve commendation for their patience and commitment to the stadium re-build.

“We look forward to working with Antrim and Ulster in the weeks and months ahead to plan the next steps in providing a new and welcome focal point for our games and for the Association in the north-east of the island,” they added.

A revised plan for a scaled-back 34,000-plus capacity stadium was then submitted by the GAA after the High Court ruling. The build is anticipated to cost around £60m (€66m).

Despite the reduced size, the plan continued to face vocal opposition from some residents living around the venue.

Other residents, however, were supportive of the plan to revive and regenerate the currently overgrown and crumbling stadium site.

Ms Mallon said the redevelopment would see the derelict facility turned into a “landmark” stadium.

“The Ulster Council of the GAA can now move forward with their ambitious plans for the regeneration of the stadium," the SDLP representative said.

“I recognise the impacts on residential amenity from the proposed development but ultimately I had to weigh such impacts with the social and economic benefits that would result from the completion of this project and I truly believe that the Casement Park stadium will be successful."

Ulster GAA described the announcement as “hugely positive news”.