In West Belfast there has been a GAA ground where Gaelic football, carmogie and hurling matches have been played for decades.
Until, that is, there were plans to upgrade the stands. Residents objected to a 38,000 seater proposal. So new plans were submitted for a 34,000 seater project. That got planning approval in July 2021.
Meanwhile, as part of a government backed initiative to improve sports facilities, Windsor Park soccer ground and Ravenhill rugby ground spent millions to construct new stands fit for crowds of 30,000 and more.
Residents in West Belfast near Casement are objecting again to the approved plans to modernise a much needed venue for County matches and training. I think it is now ten years that the ground has stood idle and County matches held elsewhere.
The project estimated costs have doubled and work has yet to commence. Residents’ concerns have some merit; there is very little space for car parking. However, there is a bus service called Glider with bendy buses, that could provide a shuttle to car parking away from the busy Andersonstown Road.
It is a pity that a much needed sporting facility has been stymied for so long. I took our boys to watch matches at Casement about 15 years ago and it was a very family friendly ground. That other fans are denied that enjoyment because of a protracted dispute is a great shame.
odespinner 