Casement Park capacity reduced to nearer 15k as GAA forced to scale back plans

The project, originally around a 34,500 stadium, has been beset by long-running disputes over the planning process and then funding

The GAA are planning for a redeveloped Casement Park to have a capacity of around 15,000.

The project has been beset by long-running disputes over the planning process and then funding.

Inflation increases have driven the project from its initial cost of £78.5m to an estimated £260m last year. Around £120m was jointly in place from the Stormont Executive, the Irish government and the GAA.

The UK government had pledged a further £50m but that is now in doubt amid serious budgetary issues in Westminster.

The Ulster Council held a meeting this week where a scaled-down version of the west Belfast venue was discussed.

The original plans were set for a 34,500 capacity stadium, fit to host provincial finals and other major games.

However, it’s believed that number is now closer to 15,000 as the GAA have been left with no other option.

That would satisfy Antrim GAA and some Ulster level provincial GAA games, but rule it out as a potential Ulster football final.

The stadium was in the running to host Euro 2028 games at one stage, before financial realities also closed that door.

Casement Park officially closed its doors for matches in June 2013. The final game hosted at the original stadium was an Antrim v Monaghan match during the 2013 Ulster Senior Football Championship.

The old Casement Park stadium had a maximum official capacity of roughly 31,000 to 34,500 prior to its closure. However, its historic record attendance reached an estimated 41,000 spectators during the Down v Armagh Ulster Final in 1961.

Demolition and enabling works were undertaken this year to satisfy a July 2026 planning permission expiry deadline.

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