Ireland seeks Euro 2028 ties after Northern Ireland's Casement Park plans fail

In a recent development, Ireland has made an appeal to UEFA to host additional matches for the Euro 2028 tournament. This follow-up comes after the UK Government decided against funding the redevelopment of Casement Park, a GAA venue in Northern Ireland. The decision was based on projections indicating that estimated building costs could soar from £180 million to potentially over £400 million, with a significant risk of the venue not being completed in time for the championship. The beleaguered Casement Park had been initially selected for hosting duties due to its larger capacity compared to Belfast's Windsor Park, which was not deemed adequate. However, concerns regarding Casement's future fitness as a hosting venue led to UEFA's inspection of the site earlier this year. With the venue now abandoned, Irish officials are turning their sights to ensure that matches can still take place on the island. Junior Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne confirmed that efforts are underway to engage UEFA in discussions aimed at reallocating matches to other stadiums, emphasizing the need for a regional approach. The potential venues being considered include prominent options like Dublin's Croke Park and Cork's Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Ministers believe that hosting additional matches in Ireland would not only bolster cultural and sporting significance but would also positively impact regional tourism, benefiting local economies and drawing interest from thousands of visitors during the tournament periods.