Pictured with Ulster GAA’s planning application for a new stadium at Casement Park is Brian McAvoy, Chief Executive Ulster GAA, Michael Hasson, President Ulster GAA, Tom Daly, Chairman of the Casement Park Project Board, Collie Donnelly, Chairman Antrim County Board and Stephen McGeehan, Project Sponsor

Ulster GAA has announced that it has submitted its planning application to Belfast City Council for the new provincial stadium at Casement Park following an unprecedented 32-week consultation period.

Ninety five percent of people that responded are in favour of the project.

Developed by global Award winning architect’s Populous, the proposed design sets out an iconic stadium bowl, a proposed spectator capacity of 34,186 and mixed-use facilities with a range of resources to advance economic, cultural and heritage opportunities for West Belfast and beyond.

Ulster GAA received feedback from over 5,000 people throughout the consultation process with around 3,000 people responding to the PACC2 design phase.  92% of people believe that the project will bring socio economic benefits with 91% also stating that the proposed stadium design would be a positive aspect to the quality of the environment.

Tom Daly, Chairman of the Casement Park Project Board commented:

“We are delighted with the overwhelming support the project has received with 95% of people that responded being in favour of the scheme and also with the positive endorsement we received from the Safety Technical Group.  Everyone involved in the project is now looking forward to the next phase and developing on our plans to transform Casement Park into a venue that will inspire young people for generations to come.

The submission of the planning application follows a positive report by the Safety Technical Group on the progress of the project.  The report highlighted that the GAA’s proposed Casement Park Stadium Design and Management Plans are sufficiently developed, and in accordance with safety legislation and guidance, at this stage to provide a sound basis for development towards the GAA’s target capacity 34,186.

Collie Donnelly, Chairman Antrim County Board said, “This is another major step in the journey to bring Ulster’s provincial stadium to the heartbeat of Antrim GAA.  I have vivid memories of the pride and honour as a young boy, as a player and as a supporter of our County team and my Club playing at such a magnificent stadium in West Belfast.  Along with the next generation of Saffrons, I look forward to feeling those emotions, once again, as our County and all our Clubs have the opportunity to play in and watch major football, hurling and camogie games in Antrim’s and Ulster’s iconic new provincial stadium”.

Commenting on the socio economic benefits, Michael Hasson, President Ulster GAA said, “ With Casement Park we look forward to the creation of new jobs, training and development opportunities, community facilities and a vibrant cultural hub all supporting an enhanced socio economic environment in West Belfast and far beyond.”