McNulty: Casement failure is massive missed opportunity
Justin McNulty says the Executive and the British Government should “hang their heads in shame” over the failures surrounding the redevelopment of Casement Park.
SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “The developments over the weekend have compounded thirteen years of frustration for those of us who believe in the potential of the redevelopment of Casement Park to be a huge win for Gaelic games.
“The team at Ulster GAA put in an incredible effort to try and get this across the line in time for the Euros and to ensure that the North would reap all the benefits associated with hosting a tournament of this magnitude. That this has fallen apart has nothing to do with them and the blame lies solely at the feet of government who have moved too slowly and showed no ambition.
"The Executive and the British Government have stumbled at every stage of the process, and they should hang their heads in shame.”
He added that Casement Park is more than a stadium: “it’s the heart of the GAA in Ulster and it has lain derelict and dormant for far too long”.
Mr McNulty continued: “The last match played at Casement Park was more than a decade ago in 2013, and there should be a frank apology today to a generation of footballers, camogie players and hurlers who have missed their chance to step out onto that hallowed turf and play for their club, their county, their country, their friends, and their family. That is a desperate, disappointing and sad state of affairs.
“The funding for this project was agreed all the way back in 2011 and the delays have had nothing to do with the GAA. Construction must begin at Casement as soon as possible so that we can look forward to big games, community events and all the other benefits a stadium like this will bring. We must bring hope to the Gaels of Antrim and Gaels across Ireland and we must demonstrate that we are serious about further embedding sport into our way of life.”