WEST Belfast MLA Pat Sheehan believes that the momentum is now behind the redevelopment of Casement Park in Andersonstown and that the stadium is on track to be completed on schedule for Euro 2028. The Sinn Féin man, who played minor football for Antrim and even spent two years being taught below the stands at Casement when St Gall’s Primary School was being redeveloped in the late 1960s, said attention has now turned to the overall cost of the project that will transform the Andersonstown area. With work beginning last week to clear the site in preparation for building works, and with the Irish government pledging €50m for the redevelopment, all eyes turned to UEFA's visit to the West Belfast venue this week, as pressure mounts on the British government to bring some clarity to their own financial contributions and costing. "Basically, we’re waiting on a definite cost," said Pat. "What’s it going to cost to complete this project and can it be completed in time? I think it can be completed on time if the necessary funding is put in place. “Now, I don’t know what the figure is, but [Secretary of State Chris] Heaton-Harris said last year that whatever money was needed would be found. “What I think should happen is the British government, the Irish government, the Executive, the GAA and the IFA – because they have skin in the game too in terms of the Euros coming in 2028 – should all get into a room and work out how the funding is going to be delivered, because remember this is the last of a three-pronged project after the Maze-Long Kesh project fell apart, probably as a result of the DUP not wanting it. It was then decided that there would be stadiums for rugby, soccer and GAA. “Rugby and soccer have got their stadiums now and this is the last one to be delivered, and the funding needs to be put in place. “I’m confident that there will be a contractor appointed before the end of this year and that gives two-and-a-half years at least to do the project and I think that’s time enough. “It heartening to see that work has started and UEFA are coming – I presume to get an update on where everything stands and also to have a look about Casement. There’s a lot of momentum now and hopefully that momentum will carry on.”