A construction company in Northern Ireland has presented ambitious plans to revive Belfast’s dreams of playing host to Euro 2028 – with a proposal for a temporary stadium in the heart of the city it claims could be built in under a year.
Belfast was originally to host five games in the tournament at a newly-built Casement Park, but wrangling over the stadium saw the UK Government pull the plug on funding with the then estimated costs in excess of £300m.
Now local company Z Property has brought an ambitious proposal to reignite the city’s Euro dream directly to the Stormont Executive and the Irish FA.
The plans include the construction of a modular, temporary stadium close to the city centre to host NI’s games during the tournament, which takes place in less than four years.
Estimating the project would take around nine months to complete to UEFA’s specifications, the company said the stadium could be built and operational at least a year before the tournament kicks off.
A temporary stadium constructed from shipping containers – Stadium 974 – was used during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Named after the country’s international dialling code and the number of containers used, the steel structure was designed with a view to repurposing the material after the event.
Z Property said their Belfast plan would provide a “cost-effective, sustainable alternative to permanent construction”.
The UK Government announced earlier this year they would not be funding the Casement Park redevelopment
Commercial Manager Paul Durnien said: “This plan isn’t just about football — it’s about showcasing Belfast’s resilience and ingenuity.
“The modular approach offers a practical solution that works with tight timelines, existing infrastructure, and significantly reduced costs. It’s a chance to celebrate football in Northern Ireland in a way that we can all be proud of.”
Four potential sites in Belfast have been identified by the company – one of which is the vacant Sirocco Works site in east Belfast – as having the appropriate transport links.
The firm said the project could be fast-tracked if there was “political will and public support”.
Managing Director Scott Kennedy said: “As football fans and long-time players in construction, we’re heartbroken that Northern Ireland is missing out on this incredible opportunity.
“But instead of lamenting what could have been, we decided to act. A modular stadium is not only viable — it’s the key to putting Belfast back on the Euro 2028 map.
“We have the expertise, the vision, and the passion to make this happen. Belfast deserves to be part of Euro 2028, and we are ready to rise to the challenge.
“Now, it’s up to the community, local authorities, and government to join us in making this dream a reality.”
The company said they had already approached Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and IFA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson with their ambitious proposals.
Both have been approached for comment.