Northern Ireland's all-time leading goal scorer, David Healy, has expressed scepticism about the value of rebuilding Casement Park in time for Euro 2028. The West Belfast venue, chosen for the UK and Ireland's joint Euro 2028 bid, is not currently fit to host games. Despite redevelopment costs estimated at around £150 million, work has not yet begun.
Casement Park is expected to host at least five matches during the tournament, but it has remained unused for over a decade. The last event held there was an Antrim intercounty game in 2013.
The decision to include Casement Park in the EURO 2028 bid has met strong opposition from unionists in Northern Ireland. Prior to Northern Ireland's EURO 2024 qualifier against Slovenia last month, a group of national team supporters protested the decision.
As the country's all-time leading goal scorer, Healy has joined the voices questioning the idea of investing in the ground, particularly considering the possibility that Northern Ireland may not qualify for the tournament in five years.
"My biggest concern is if Northern Ireland does not secure automatic qualification and we fail to qualify," said Healy to the Belfast Telegraph this week. "Then we will have spent £150 million or more to host five games that don't involve Northern Ireland. It's essentially £30 million per game."
Healy also expressed doubts about the calibre of games Casement Park might attract, saying, "Let's get it right, they're not going to send Germany versus Spain to Belfast. You might see games like Bulgaria against North Macedonia at Casement Park. We're going to get a mishmash of games involving the weakest teams in the tournament. When you weigh that up against the amount of money it's going to cost, it doesn't make sense."
David Healy believes Casement Park project 'isn't worth it' https://t.co/RkwCbGiWyW
— The Irish News (@irish_news) November 10, 2023
Healy also referenced the current cost of living crisis and suggested that the reported sum could be better used for essential services in Northern Ireland. He, along with many others, believes that Casement Park should have been upgraded simultaneously with Ravenhill and Windsor Park many years ago.
“Let’s not forget, we’re in a cost-of-living crisis. When you weigh it up against the health service and the education system, is it fair? You just need to talk to headteachers about the pressures they are under," he added.
“I know teachers who are spending some of their own money for equipment, to help educate the kids. That’s a sad state of affairs. I’m sure people high up in education and health are pulling their hair out hearing that £150 million is going to be spent on a sports stadium.
“This is nothing against Antrim or Ulster GAA. Let’s be honest, Casement should have been rebuilt at the same time as Windsor and Ravenhill. I’m not across all the ins and outs to know exactly why that didn’t happen.”
