Northern Ireland's new Secretary of State Hilary Benn has given a firm commitment that the GAA's new Casement Park stadium in west Belfast will be built, but he could not give a guarantee that it will be completed in time to host the Euro 2028 Football Championships.
The commitment has been welcomed by the Taoiseach and the issue will be discussed when he meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Downing Street next week.
The derelict ground at Casement Park has been earmarked as a venue for five Euro 2028 matches.
However, the funding needed to build the stadium in time for the tournament is still not in place and there are concerns the delays will see Belfast missing out on a tournament being jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland.
Speaking during a visit to Belfast, Mr Benn said he will have a detailed briefing on current estimated costs, which have escalated from an initial £77 million to an estimated cost of around £300m.
"I am looking at this urgently, it's probably the most urgent issue on my desk," he said.
"One way or another, if it's possible in time for the Euros, if not one way or another the Casement Park will have to be built to complete the project which has included of course, Windsor Park, the Kingspan for football and for rugby, and Casement Park for the GAA so I'm looking to see what can be done."
Asked if he could put a timescale on when a final decision on the project will be made, Mr Benn said: "Well, I think the honest answer is as soon as I am in a position to announce anything, so you just have to bear with me."
In response, a spokesperson for Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "We welcome the comments from Hilary Benn. Taoiseach Simon Harris has been clear that he would like to see Casement Park delivered in time to host EURO2028 games in Belfast.
"The Taoiseach remains committed to this being the case and will work with Prime Minister Starmer and the British government to that end."
