A suitably-sized redevelopment of the Casement Park stadium which is GAA-orientated (no concerts), fit for purpose (safe) and part of the natural fabric of the community (appropriate mass and scale).

Site constraints. The Casement Park site is a very restricted space. The structure butts right up against back gardens on three sides of the ground. It is unique within these islands. The GAA are entitled to feel that their strategic needs require a 34,000 capacity stadium, but not in this location.

Safety. Reflecting the site constraints, the ground is not capable of being safely developed to a 34,000 capacity. The wider effects on the safety of the whole neighbourhood should also be considered e.g. blue light access during major events. The Andersonstown Road is the major arterial route in West Belfast, linking both the surrounding area and suburban areas such as Twinbrook and Poleglass to vital services such as the Royal Victoria Hospital.

No concerts. The GAA propose staging three full capacity concerts per year. That is completely unacceptable, given the unique site constraints of the Casement Park location. Set-up and take-down for a major concert event would take 10 days or more, with numerous trips by HGVs travelling through the narrow streets of the horseshoe. That would pose a risk to the safety of local residents, especially children. It would also entail huge disruption both within the immediate environs of the stadium and the wider Andersonstown area. Not to mention the noise pollution from a major concert event.

A safe capacity. Due to the unique site constraints of the Casement Park ground, we do not believe that a 34,000 capacity stadium can be built without posing safety risks to spectators and residents. Both the Department for Communities (DfC) and the GAA need to say clearly what measures they would propose taking to meet the requirements of the Safety of Sports Grounds Order (NI) and what additional costs would be incurred. In particular, they should publish in full the movement consultants’ report into an evacuation scenario based on the Stockmans roundabout.

Traffic and road impacts. The proposed 34,000 capacity stadium will lead to unacceptable traffic congestion. The Andersonstown Road, Kennedy Way and M1 and Kennedy Way roundabouts are frequently clogged, even at non-peak times. The pedestrian crossings are hazardous. Yet, all stadium traffic would have to use the Andersonstown Road because it is the only through route. The horseshoe streets all lead back to this single road, so there is only one way out.

Height and light. The present stadium configuration does not affect light entering homes and gardens. But a height sufficient to accommodate 34,000 spectators will have a severe effect.

Loss of quality of life. Residents will be unable to enjoy full use of their gardens if there is insufficient sunlight – hampering their ability to grow plants, dry clothes, sit in the sun and havefriends and family around.

Restricted access. The streets of the horseshoe are narrow and busy. Footpath parking is necessary. On a match or concert day, traffic will come to a standstill. If there were an emergency at the far end of the horseshoe during a stadium event, it could take some time for an ambulance or fire engine to arrive and then negotiate out of the area safely. Residents will feel trapped in their homes. Family and friends could not visit on event days.

Parking. Andersonstown is an area of narrowresidential streets with very limited parking capacity. Yet GAA fans, most of whom come from outside Belfast, like to bring their own cars. Because there are no nearby car parks, fans usethese streets, parking on footpaths, even along Kennedy Way.

Local character and integrity. Severe site restrictions, safety factors and traffic constraints could mean that the developer will seek to take measures that threaten the fabric of the neighbourhood. Starting with height and scale far in excess of anything this area has seen. The cost will be huge – far greater than the initial sums allocated.

Transparency. DfC should also publish the Business Case in full, so that the public can scrutinise the projected benefits relative to the costs. It will be immediately apparent that the costs far outweigh the benefits.

Value for money. In a time of austerity should so much money go to a project which would only have one full capacity sporting event a year? A smaller stadium that serves the community is far more preferable than a costly and oversizedwhite elephant.