Planning permission for Casement Park redevelopment has been denied

The High Court has this morning denied planning permission for the redevelopment of Casement Park.

The judge's decision came after a group of residents in West Belfast objected to works on the Antrim stadium. The proposed expansion of Casement Park included the plan to increase the seating capacity at the ground to 38,000 which was opposed by residents due their belief that it would overshadow their houses and exacerbate traffic problems. The fact that the redevelopment will no longer go ahead could also have repercussions for Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup as the increased capacity would have made the stadium an ideal candidate for games. Tom Daly, Chairman of the Casement Park Project Board spoke about his dismay over the decision, saying: "We are deeply disappointed by the outcome of today’s decision by Mr. Justice Horner. "The proposed redevelopment of Casement Park would have provided the opportunity of a world class provincial stadium for the GAA and the broader community in the heart of Belfast." Daly added: "The project would also have provided much needed economic and social benefits to West Belfast and beyond, including financial investment, new jobs, apprenticeships and community projects. “The new stadium would also have supported the GAA’s plan to develop and grow grassroots Gaelic Games within the city and the county of Antrim. Over the coming weeks we will reflect on this decision and consider what the next steps are for Casement Park.”  

Planning permission for redevelopment of Casement Park is denied in Court. — Antrim GAA (@ClubAontroma) December 15, 2014