Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Not only is the cost of Casement getting out of control but so too is the greed of the GAA.
“They expect to be handed a money-making £300m stadium for a meagre investment of £15m.
“The GAA is a hugely rich organisation. In 2023 its income was €112m.
“In addition to commercial earnings, eg TV earnings, it can command huge fees for the use of its premises for concerts. In 2022 it got €7.6m from Garth Brooks concerts at Croke Park.
“So, the idea that the GAA cannot afford more than £15m is laughable. Clearly, what they want is a free ride at public expense to arrive at a point where they have exclusive benefit of a money-spinning asset.
“Hence, I repeat my call for the Communities minister to ensure not only that the GAA pays its way but that there is a claw back to the public purse from profits made in future years.”