Ulster GAA Casement Park project delivery team meet business & tourism leaders

The Ulster GAA Casement Park project delivery team has met with leaders from across the business and tourism sectors to discuss the socio economic and tourism opportunities that a re-developed Casement Park will provide.

The event, which was attended by organisations including Tourism NI, Visit Belfast, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Failte Feirste Thiar, focused on areas in which the project would create medium and long term jobs, the revenue potential to the local economy and how the community would benefit through increased tourism.

Casement Park’s surrounding area has suffered from under investment over many years resulting in growing unemployment with over 40% of the people being economically inactive. Ulster GAA has stated that it is commissioning a report on the socio economic benefits of the new stadium, once design plans have been launched.

Commenting, Stephen McGeehan, Project Sponsor, said “We believe that the redevelopment of Casement Park will be one of the most significant investments ever made in West Belfast and it can support, enhance and act as a catalyst for other proposed projects which are set to transform the economic dynamic in the local community. That is why we must engage with business and tourism leaders to, ensure that they are aware of our continuous consultation process and, tap into their expertise in terms of supporting and developing economic growth and tourism across a range of locations.

“We want to create a bright future by building a stadium that will provide sporting and cultural opportunities for young people and the community throughout West Belfast, Belfast and beyond. We look forward to providing training opportunities, the creation of jobs and investment, growth for local business and tourism and facilities which will support the cultural heritage of Casement Park for the next generation.”

The GAA plans to provide feedback from its consultation public events later this month with proposed designs expected in early autumn. To find out more information about the Casement Park Provincial Stadium project visit www.casementpark.ie.