The Gaelic Athletic Association’s new president has made clear his opposition to the organisation increasing its financial contribution to the redevelopment of Casement Park.
Jarlath Burns insisted it would be “unfair” to expect the GAA to pay more than the €17.5 million it has already committed to the project.
That commitment was made over a decade ago when the projected cost of rebuilding the stadium in west Belfast was €87.7 million.
The project has been delayed by a series of planning disputes and legal challenges and the estimated costs have spiralled to at least double the original figure, with some suggesting the bill could exceed €233 million.
The stadium is one of the venues selected to host matches in the Euro 2028 football tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland.
But the site is currently derelict and there remains significant uncertainty around whether the plan to build a 34,000-capacity venue can be completed in time for the tournament.
The stadium would need to be finished by the summer of 2027 to be formally approved as a host venue. Uefa officials will be in Belfast this week to assess the current status of the redevelopment project.
The Irish Government last week pledged €50 million for the stadium and the UK government is facing calls to stump up the necessary shortfall to ensure it is built on time.
The GAA has also been under pressure to increase its original £15 million commitment, given the initial project cost has soared in the last decade.
Former Armagh GAA star Mr Burns, who formally took up the role as president of the association at the weekend, said he was against any increase.
He said the GAA already invests €87 million a year into the development of Gaelic games, including stadium infrastructure projects.
Mr Burns also claimed it was the GAA’s lobbying work that delivered the funding announcement from the Irish Government. As such, he said the GAA was responsible for bringing in more than €64.3 million for the project.
“I think it’s a wee bit unfair for people to be talking of the GAA to come up with more money considering the £75 million that we invest every year in facilities and infrastructure,” he told BBC Radio Ulster.
Mr Burns said the GAA had been fully behind now abandoned plans for a multi-sports stadium at the Maze in Lisburn and claimed the association was being asked to pay more because that project never materialised.
“It is a point of principle,” he said. “We have pledged £15 million. In the programme for government for the last 12 years there is a very strong commitment that Casement Park should be delivered and I will be voting against any plan that the GAA should give any more money for that.
“It is not our fault that the Maze stadium was abandoned.
“That should have been built, and I don’t think we should be penalised for that.”
He emphasised that he did not have the final decision and the GAA at a national level may still reconsider the issue of funding Casement Park.
“I am one vote and my vote will be very clearly no,” he said.
Mr Burns added: “Perhaps the GAA at national level at some stage might decide to change, but I would not be in favour of it.”
