Latest news on Casement Park

The Casement Park redevelopment saga in West Belfast continues to be a hot topic, blending sports, politics, and community tensions. The GAA stadium, dormant since 2013, is slated for a 30,000+ capacity rebuild but faces funding issues.

Plenty of drama over costs, delays, and sectarian divides.

As of October 22, 2025, here’s the latest buzz and tendering status.

The chatter and drama

• Funding Fiasco: Costs have soared from £180m to over £400m, but GAA President Jarlath Burns is pushing a scaled-back £260m plan after losing Euro 2028 hosting (UEFA’s 2027 deadline was missed). The UK’s £50m (June 2025), Stormont’s £62.5m, and Ulster GAA’s £15m leave a £132.5m gap. Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris is dangling €50m-€90m for a Women’s World Cup 2035 bid, but nothing’s firm, but if a significant uplift is forthcoming, might help narrow the gap. Social media is awash with nationalists accusing unionists of stalling (DUP’s past delays are a sore point) and unionists like TUV’s Timothy Gaston calling it a “sectarian sop” better spent on hospitals. First Minister Michelle O’Neill (Sinn Féin) is all-in, while Deputy FM Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP) treads carefully,
• Progress Tease: Minor site clearance has started, with demolition orginally set for Q2 2025. Construction might kick off in 2026 for a 2028-29 opening, but only if stars and funding aligns. Political whispers suggest Stormont’s budget review could unlock funds soon—or not.

Tendering Status

• What’s Out: A Prior Information Notice (PIN) for remediation works (excavating 107,000m³ of soil) was issued February 3, 2025, by Ulster Council GAA (UCGAA) via myTenders.co.uk. This is pre-tender market engagement; responses closed February 14, 2025.
• Who’s Handling It: UCGAA is the Principal Contractor, with the Department for Communities (DfC) overseeing funding but not issuing this PIN. Full remediation tender is expected soon; main construction tender awaits funding clarity. Rumors of piling being priced but not offically confirmed who or what the nature of this pricing is for.
• Official comment: We are making progress but no tendering complete yet.

Summary

The stadium’s fate hinges on political and financial arm-wrestling. Minor works started with some concrete seating removed etc, but the big build is on hold.