Although the Government has committed to providing £40 million towards the project, the expected cost of building the facility in time to host the Euro 2028 games has increased from an early estimate of £77 million to more than £300 million.

Simon Harris stated that the Irish Government "won't be found wanting" on the Sunday Politics Show on BBC Northern Ireland.

In response to a question on whether the government would be willing to boost the cash it had promised, he said, "In principle we are, but I think we have to take a little step back here."

Remarks made last Sunday by Hilary Benn, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, stating that the stadium will be completed "one way or another" were welcomed by Mr. Harris, who added that the only issue at hand is timing.

It would, in my opinion, be a gravely wasted opportunity. suppose the Euro 2028 were held on these two islands and we were unable to watch games played in Northern Ireland," he said.

"I'd really like to see that happen. I'd like to work constructively with Prime Minister [Keir] Starmer and with my colleagues across government, with the Northern Ireland Executive, the GAA and others to see how best to move forward."