Casement Park 'will be built' - First Minister

Casement Park is an absolute priority and will be built, the First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said.

Ms O’Neill issued a statement following reports that the GAA has conceded that the redeveloped stadium’s capacity will be far below its planned size of 34,500.

Plans for the West Belfast site have faced uncertainty because of a major funding shortfall.

The Irish Examiner said it emerged at an Ulster Council meeting earlier this week that a scaled-down version of the Belfast venue is now likely.

According to the BBC, the new structure will not be able to stage Ulster senior final matches; instead, it will be used for other provincial fixtures.

In her statement, Ms O’Neill said: "Despite obstruction and delay, real progress has been made in recent months, with diggers and workers now on site as the redevelopment moves forward.

"We must continue to build on that momentum.

"This project will be a game-changer in creating jobs, driving investment, and delivering lasting benefits for communities across Belfast, across Antrim, and across Ulster.

"I will continue working in partnership with the GAA every step of the way to deliver a top-class stadium that meets the needs of Gaels in Antrim and across Ulster."

In a statement Ulster GAA said it "remains fully committed to the delivery of our provincial stadium at Casement Park.

"Significant and important progress" has been made at the site in recent weeks, the statement continued, adding "pre-enabling works" have been completed to it for redevelopment.

The organisation also said the project team is "currently reviewing options for a phased approach to the delivery of the new stadium".

"There is £170 million of funding committed to the redevelopment of Casement Park, including £50 million from the British Government, and we will continue to work closely with all funding partners to honour the long-standing commitments made to see major GAA games returning to our redeveloped provincial stadium in Belfast."

A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson also said that: "The UK Government remains committed to providing up to £50 million of capital funding over four years to the Northern Ireland Executive to support the redevelopment of Casement Park."