The GAA have moved one step closer to a successful redevelopment of Casement Park.
The old home of Antrim GAA, and one of the most iconic grounds in the country, has lain empty for several years now after various sporting and administrative mishaps.
The GAA’s hopes for a new 40,000-plus capacity stadium in Belfast ground to a halt after safety concerns were raised by an external audit, while the GAA’s planning permission for works at the grounds also lapsed in 2015.
In response to growing concerns that the GAA may never get to rebuild the venue, a consultation group was formed in March to get the views of local residents about the future development of a provincial stadium.
The consultation period, which it was hoped would take 20 weeks, is coming to a close, and two exhibitions this week are part of the process to keep locals more informed about the GAA’s revised plans.
GAA hope to build new Casement Pk stadium by 2019. Planning application by autumn. Capacity below 38k considered. No houses knocked down.
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) May 24, 2016
Today’s event is the first of three exhibitions that are aimed at getting on the ground feedback on the proposed plans.
Real positive vibes @CasementPark consultation in Conway Mill #LetsBuildCasement @UlsterGAA @BBCSPORTNI pic.twitter.com/Pzs58Ktixg
— Gaels For Casement (@Gaels4Casement) May 24, 2016
There is to be another consultation period later this summer, after which it is hoped to submit a revised planning application by the end of the year.
GAA's Casement Park plans community consultation exhibition at Conway Mill, west Belfast @irish_news pic.twitter.com/Fo0JmqwYal
— Brendan Hughes (@brendanhughes64) May 24, 2016
There are no draft plans for what the newly revised stadium may look like, but the GAA is understood to be anxious to try and keep any new development close to the original proposed capacity of 38,000.
Residents are understood to want a much smaller capacity, at little over 25,000.
Hopefully, the current process comes to a speedy conclusion.
This can't go on any longer!! Get it built. pic.twitter.com/t9ZCawrgj4
— albert (@FallMcfall) May 23, 2016
Even Antrim GAA are sick of the saga it seems.
Our teams will grace @CrokePark but don't have their own county pitch 😭 Time for it to be sorted#WhatAMess pic.twitter.com/196cZYwGI8
— Antrim GAA (@AontroimGAA) May 21, 2016
