Need for clarity on Casement Park costs, says Micheal Martin

There is a need for clarity on the overall costs of reconstructing Casement Park, the Irish deputy premier has said.

There has been mounting speculation that the stadium is set to be axed as a venue for the Euros 2028.

The derelict west Belfast ground has been earmarked to play host to five matches in the showpiece tournament being hosted in the UK and Ireland.

However, the funding required to rebuild the stadium in time for the tournament is still not in place, prompting concerns that the delays will see Belfast missing out on the tournament.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn at Hillsborough Castle, Micheal Martin said the Irish Government has allocated 50 million euro (£42 million) towards the project.

Asked if he wanted to see the UK Government match that investment, Mr Martin said: “It will be important that there is clarity over the costs involved and what is the overall target that’s required to bring this to realisation in time for the Euros.

“Also, then, to work out the methodology to achieve that.”

Mr Benn has said he is urgently looking at the issues around cost and remaining time for constructing the stadium, while characterising it as a “very important project”.