An analysis by accountants Grant Thornton has found that hosting Euro 2028 games in Northern Ireland could bring in over £106m for the local economy. The economic assessment shows that 150,000 fans are expected to attend the five games at Casement Park, where the matches will take place. The report stated that approximately 40,000 tourists from outside Northern Ireland are expected to attend the football championships. This could generate about £52m in the hospitality and accommodation sectors. Additionally, a further £54m might be spent in retail and hospitality.
The stadium, however, remains derelict and redevelopment work is yet to commence. The Irish FA and the GAA have sent a joint letter to the prime minister requesting clarifications on the funding for the project. In February, the Irish government said it would provide £43m for the stadium’s redevelopment. As of now, there has been no information on the amount of money Westminster is prepared to contribute towards the Casement Park project. Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey said the potential financial windfall from the Euros demonstrates an “urgent” need to find the money to redevelop the stadium.
The analysis by Grant Thornton has estimated that the overall economic impact of the whole tournament, all 51 games across the UK and Ireland, is £2.6bn. On a pro-rata basis, Northern Ireland’s five games would equal £255m of an economic impact. The stadium additionally has the potential to create a further economic boost worth tens of millions of pounds each year through the hosting of sporting fixtures and concerts. The report took a more “prudent view” on the potential economic boost from hosting five games at a newly developed Casement Park.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has stated that there has been “no confirmation or clarity” from the UK government on funding for the project, where the projected cost could exceed £300m. Ulster GAA and the Irish FA have since written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, saying that “with the announcement of the impending dissolution of the UK Parliament within days this matter is now beyond urgent”. The clock is ticking, the Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey said. The focus now has to be on the British government – they need to put the money on the table. The Stormont executive has already pledged to pay at least £62.5m of the Casement redevelopment costs
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