Páraic Duffy ‘worried’ by lack of Casement Park progress

A “desperately slow” process to redevelop Belfast’s Casement Park won’t speed up should Ireland’s 2023 Rugby World Cup bid fail.

The Anderstown Road stadium had been listed among the stadia to host the competition in six years time, which was expected to accelerate the planning schedule after the initial proposals were ruled unlawful in December 2014.

GAA director general Páraic Duffy admits the delayed reconstruction of the venue is troubling. “I’m worried about Casement Park from a GAA point of view because it has gone on so long. I’m here since 2008, 2009 is the first time the Ulster Council approached us about funding for Casement Park. I’m worried in that eight years on, they still haven’t got planning permission. I’m worried about it from a GAA point of view, obviously the Rugby World Cup bid point of view. I do think Casement will get there. I honestly believe that. But it’s desperately slow.”