Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has said that it is now clear that the Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín presided over a shambles in relation to the Casement Park stadium project.
Speaking following the release of a Project Assessment Review led by a senior Cabinet Office Official, Mr Nesbitt said:
“I welcome this report from the Cabinet Office experts more in sorrow than anger, but people can be justifiably unhappy that the Minister has presided over a process that is currently assessed as one grade short of unachievable.
“It is shocking that the report makes clear there was no certainty over whether or not the Safety Technical Group (STG) chaired by the eventual whistle blower, Paul Scott, has actually signed off or approved a number of key decisions regarding the development of the new stadium.
“There is also no clarity regarding whether the decision to replace Mr Scott as Chair of the STG was motivated by the desire to remove him, or to introduce improved working relationships.
“I have repeatedly asked the Minister questions about the safety of the proposed stadium, which she has deflected by informing me I should ask Belfast City Council, who issue the safety certificate. I feel vindicated in my line of questioning by the fact that the great majority of the report’s recommendations are directed at the Minister, not least criticism that she has not appointed a fulltime Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) to take ownership of the project.
“The Minister has presided over this mess, characterised by unresolved but critical safety issues, poor relationships between key stakeholders, including her department, Sport NI, the STG and the GAA, and a failure to ensure appropriately qualified and experienced personnel were working to deliver the project.
“It is ironic, given DCAL embraces the spirit of “Sport for All” that rugby union fans are already enjoying the new Kingspan Stadium at Ravenhill, given a green light by this report; association football fans have a new, modern Windsor Park progressing despite an unexpected issue over a collapsed stand, but GAA fans are now being told it will be late next year before there will even be a new planning application for Casement Park.
“It is up to the Minister to consult and conclude on what level of personal responsibility she should shoulder for this avoidable and regrettable delay. I know what I would do in her position.”