Her comments come after she and DUP colleague on the Finance Committee Phillip Brett questioned the Minister in the Assembly on the matter today.
The South Down MLA said,“Last week the Finance Minister was proclaiming that the finish line was in sight on the redevelopment of Casement Park, whilst the First Minister announced that it was time to get it built.
Having made these bold statements, the Finance Minister today was forced to admit that the Financial Transactions Capital allocated to the project is not direct funding in the normal way. Instead, it comes either as a loan that will have to be repaid, or it is an investment in the equity of the project. Whilst the Minister told the Assembly today it would be a loan, he then went on to say that he didn’t know which form of FTC would be used for the project.
These are not insignificant details, given also the funding gap that still exists, even with the allocation of this FTC funding. It also underscores why knee-jerk reactions should be avoided and warm welcomes for funding should be avoided when the details aren’t even known.
There will also remain the continued need for fair and equitable funding for sport in Northern Ireland. Whilst the GAA will now need to work out whether the UK Government will be a part owner of Casement Park, the need of other sports for the fulfilment of funding remains.”