Debate contribution: Casement Park: Non-GAA Events

Debate contribution by Ms Aisling Reilly on 17 February 2026.

MLA: Ms Aisling Reilly
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 17 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Casement Park: Non-GAA Events
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5394421

Text

Thank you. I will touch on that. There is no mention of a clawback of funds on the events that they have hosted or could host outside the sport they were built for. Stadiums that were built for rugby or soccer have opened their gates to boxing events, concerts, corporate events, launches and other showcase commercial events, and why would they not? These are modern venues, designed to be utilised and meant to maximise opportunity, open their doors and invite people in to use them. There is no mention of a clawback, though, for those stadia in this motion. However, when it comes to Casement Park, the conversation suddenly shifts and there is an attempt to move the goalposts. It is OK for those other stadia venues to diversify and generate an income by hosting boxing and other events, but it is a problem when the same principle is applied to a GAA stadium. We can all read between the lines as to why that is. The motion is not about financial prudence: it is pure double standards. It sends a clear message that it is OK for some, just not for the GAA. Let me be clear: Gaels across Belfast, Antrim and Ulster are entitled to have Casement Park redeveloped. The attempt to try to "other" Gaels through this motion should be called out for what it is: a blatant attack on the GAA. Members of the GAA, like others in the public, are taxpayers and ratepayers, and they contribute to society like everybody else. The amendment, to be honest, is disappointing, because the Member for West Belfast knows and has seen at first hand the transformative power and the benefits of the GAA from club level up. We know the scale of grassroots investment that flows from development at the top. Any revenue generated through Casement, as with Windsor and Ravenhill, will be reinvested in the sport, the clubs, the facilities, youth development, coaching and community programmes.
It will be reinvested in the county structures and programmes, from juveniles right up to the men's and ladies' teams, allowing them the chance to develop and grow and to be the role models and the stars for the generation coming behind them.
Casement Park represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and regeneration and to create jobs, attract visitors and drive footfall into local businesses. When major games and events come to our city, whether sporting or cultural, they will fill hotel rooms. They support hospitality and place a positive spotlight on this place that we call home. Casement Park will be no different. As someone who is a proud member of the GAA, as a coach and former player, I have seen and been part of the difference that it makes. The GAA is a community anchor. It promotes physical health; it strengthens mental resilience; it fosters leadership, discipline and teamwork. It binds communities together. On winter nights and summer evenings, our pitches are full of young people finding confidence in belonging, enjoying themselves and challenging themselves. That social value cannot be reduced to a narrow argument such as that in the motion. Casement Park will be more than a stadium. It will be a catalyst for regeneration, a driver of opportunity and a symbol of equality in investment. Casement Park must be afforded the very same respect as other stadia. Equality means equality: nothing more, nothing less. We will not support the motion, nor will we support the amendment.

581 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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