Sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, has welcomed the GAA's announcement of their appointment of the stadium designers for the new Casement Park.

The Minister commenting on the appointment of designers Mott McDonald and professional consultants the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) said: "This represents a significant step in the progress of the Stadium Development Programme. The upgrade of the GAA's Casement Park; rugby's Ravenhill and soccer’s Windsor Park have been a key priority for both me and my Department.

"The appointment of Mott McDonald and ICT are a key milestone in taking forward the design and development of a new 40,000 seater stadium at Casement Park. As well as the obvious benefits to sports fans that these stadiums bring, there are also the wider socio economic benefits and employment opportunities being brought forward in these challenging economic times. Earlier in the year the Executive and the Assembly endorsed my Department’s commitments in the Programme for Government to deliver on the three stadiums. Together, they represent one of the biggest capital construction projects in this Assembly’s lifetime, totalling around £130million.

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"Gaelic Games attracts a greater number of spectators to its games on a regular basis than other sports in the north. The Department's investment of £61.4million enables the GAA to ensure the venue is safe and welcoming for the numbers of supporters likely to attend matches. Inspired by and supported by volunteers the GAA promotes both Gaelic games and culture meaning this development represents not only support for sporting excellence and participation but also the wider community."

(CD/GK)