Conor Murphy conceded the risk is real after GAA president Jarlath Burns admitted he is “very pessimistic” about the prospect of the tournament matches not being played in stadium. "If people don’t follow through on their commitments, if we don’t get the people in the Executive with responsibility in terms of getting this project moving actually taking responsibility for that, if we don’t get the British Government delivering on promises – that does put at risk the hosting of the Euros,” the Sinn Fein MLA said. Ulster GAA and the Irish FA have been informed that funding commitments are on hold until after July 4 after both bodies sent a joint letter to the UK Prime Minister – they subsequently called on the Executive to collectively discuss the opportunities Euro 2028 will create for NI as well as the “reputational, economic and sporting risk of losing this global event”.
In addition the sporting organisations called for procurement tender documents to be released without further delay to ensure the project development remains within Uefa timelines. Mr Murphy expressed sympathy with the frustration of GAA and football officials as he pointed out the Department for Communities has been calling for the release of tender documents to determine the cost of redeveloping the west Belfast stadium. “There’s a very significant opportunity for the whole of the north, including Belfast, in hosting the Euros and it cannot be missed,” he added.
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