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Easy to blame a unionist minister on Casement, says Lyons

Mark Simpson
BBC News NI community correspondent
PA Media A balding dark haired man in a dark suit, light blue shirt and red tiePA Media
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons insists the hold-up is not his fault

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has hit back at claims that he has helped to create a "hostile atmosphere" for the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association).

Lyons has been criticised by the GAA president Jarlath Burns over his handling of the stalled redevelopment of Casement Park stadium in west Belfast.

The minister said it was "very easy to blame a unionist minister" and insisted the hold-up was not his fault.

He said that £17m had been spent preparing for the full redevelopment of the Casement site.

GAA Artists impression of large open-air rectangular stadium with playing grass visible GAA
An artist's impression of the proposed 34,500-capacity stadium in west Belfast

Last week, Burns pointed to a range of issues facing the GAA and added: "We are operating in a very hostile environment, there's no doubt about it, and it's disappointing to say that because of all the work we do reaching out."

At a meeting on Thursday of the Communities committee at Stormont, this was put to Lyons by Sinn Féin MLA Nicola Brogan.

He responded: "I certainly wouldn't agree with that characterisation at all, that there is any way a hostile environment towards Jarlath or the GAA.

"I can understand his frustration. I can understand why after 14 years of no action being taken that he is frustrated but there is certainly not a hostile environment that I am presiding over within this department.

"When he has requested to meet with me, I have met with him. Officials engage regularly, at least once a month on this issue."

'Pushing forward'

The minister added: "He may well be under pressure from within his organisation as well, and I understand that.

"I don't think it is right to say that there is a hostile environment.

"It can be very easy sometimes to blame politicians, very easy to blame a unionist minister but that simply doesn't match up with the reality of what we've been doing in the department."

Brogan responded by saying Lyons should be "pushing forward" the Casement redevelopment.

She said: "I can totally understand the frustration of both Jarlath and Gaels right across the north at delays to this, and I do think as communities minister, it is your job to carry on that executive flagship project and see this project actually delivered."

PA Media Dilapidated raised spectator stands at Casement park, overlooking a green pitchPA Media
The UK government said it would not be providing funding to redevelop the stadium in time for the Euro 2028 football tournament

The Casement Park redevelopment is in limbo due to a lack of money.

The GAA estimates it would cost £260m to build a 34,500-capacity new stadium, but only around £120m is currently available.

Lyons has said he stands by a long-standing Stormont commitment to spend £62.5m on the project and has asked the Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn how much the London government is willing to contribute.

Once he receives an answer, he says he will meet again with the GAA.

It has offered £15m to the project, while the Irish government has pledged around £42m.

Plans to build the stadium in time to host matches at the Euro 2028 soccer tournament were scuppered last year by the funding gap.

Lyons has been criticised by nationalist politicians for not yet attending a senior GAA match during more than a year in office.

Stephen McGeehan, Casement Park project lead for Ulster GAA, will be speaking on The View on Thursday night at 22:40 GMT - watch on BBC One Northern Ireland or BBC iPlayer