To ask the Minister for Communities to provide an update on progress to redevelop Casement Park.

Mr Lyons (The Minister for Communities)

Casement Park is the third and final project of the regional stadia programme, and funding was agreed by the Executive 14 years ago. I met Jarlath Burns, president of the GAA, alongside senior representatives from Ulster GAA, including Brian McAvoy, its director and CEO, on 31 October 2024 to discuss how the redevelopment of Casement Park could be taken forward. However, the Executive commitment from 2011 remains.

Mr Lyons

I have not met the UK Government, but I have written to the Secretary of State to ask for an update on the Government's view of the project.

Mr McHugh

Last year was a very busy one for the teams involved in the Casement Park project. Minister, have you any meetings with Ulster GAA and other key partners scheduled in the diary for 2025 as part of your Department's duty to support the Casement Park redevelopment?

Mr Lyons

Let me make it clear that, when it comes to Casement Park, I have fulfilled my requirements. I have certainly met the groups that are involved in the project. The pledge that the Executive made in 2011 remains. It is worth remembering that it has been a long process. Some in the Chamber have tried repeatedly to lay the blame for the lack of progress at the feet of unionist Ministers. I remind the House once more that I was not the one who took a judicial review in order to get the planning permission quashed. My actions were not the ones that resulted in a Committee inquiry into safety certificates for Casement Park, and my actions were not the ones that led to a 2015 Cabinet Office report that revealed the chaos behind the stadium project. That report said that problems had been exacerbated by the fact that relationships between key stakeholders were broken. It was not me who said:

I understand the frustrations that many people feel about the project. However, the fact remains that there is a funding gap between what is on the table and the money that has been pledged. Our commitment from 2011 remains. I remain willing and open to meet and work with those who want to see the project progressed.

Mr Brooks

Sports clubs in my constituency are looking forward to potentially having their grounds redeveloped and improved. Will the Minister give an update on the Northern Ireland Football Fund (NIFF)?

Mr Lyons

Yes. The Northern Ireland Football Fund was another key element of that Executive agreement. I am pleased to tell the House that we will open applications to that very soon. That will be a key milestone in that programme. I want to see that happen, and I believe that we will be able to open applications by the end of the month. I hope that that sends a message to all clubs that we recognise the need that exists and that the fund is just the beginning.

Mr McNulty

On Casement Park, the Minister will know that the period between now and the end of March is critical for that iconic bellwether project. Yesterday, it was four months since the HM Treasury announcement. The Minister met uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael

, Jarlath Burns, and Ulster GAA in October, and it appears that we are no further forward. As Casement Park is a priority for his Department and a flagship project for the Executive, will the Minister list the organisations and people that he has met or corresponded with regarding the funding of our new world-class stadium in the heart of west Belfast? When will the project move forward?

Mr Lyons

I have already outlined whom I have met, the meeting that took place in October and the correspondence that I have had with the Secretary of State. We need some realism here: the issue is the funding gap. That is the problem. Either an additional contribution of funds or a more modest proposal is needed, or else we need to look at both options. I am happy to have those discussions, but, as I have said repeatedly, the commitment that was made in 2011 stands.

Mr Crawford

How much has been spent to date on the redevelopment of Casement Park and on the Northern Ireland Football Fund?

Mr Lyons

I do not have the exact figures for Casement Park, but I am happy to provide the Member with that information. Very little has been spent on the football fund, although we have been able to give some financial support to clubs that are developing business cases. I have no issue with giving the Member that information, but I do not have it in front of me.

Mr Gaston

Minister, will you give a clear commitment that the GAA will not receive more than its fair share of funding compared with the money already awarded to football and rugby?

Mr Lyons

I have said on a number of occasions that an agreement was made in 2011.That agreement was made on the basis of fairness and of all the sports that had identified their needs getting a share of the money. Windsor Park has received the money that it was promised, as has Ravenhill. I look forward to distributing the money from the football fund, and, as I have said, the commitment for Casement Park remains. When we allocate resources, it is important that we do so fairly and equitably. That is what I will do during my time in office.