GAA and IFA officials will join forces on a new committee aimed at helping to usher forward plans for the redevelopment of Casement Park ahead of the 2028 European Championship finals.
Details around the establishment of the committee are currently being worked out, but representatives of the sporting bodies are expected to be joined by government officials.
Casement Park was announced as one of the 10 venues in Britain and Ireland to host games during the tournament despite work failing to start and the loss of the contractors charged with the redevelopment.
The oversight committee was established in late December and is understood members will meet once a month to review progress on the planned redevelopment.
Stormont’s Department for Communities (DfC) will lead the drive for a new contractor after the Co Derry-based construction firm Heron Brothers were unable to continue with the multi-million pound west Belfast project last November due to the nature of the contract.
Heron Brothers were appointed in 2013 as co-contactor on the project with the English-based Buckingham, which is now in administration, owing £108m.
The proposed 34,500 capacity stadium is included in the joint Ireland/Britain bid to host Euro 2028 but there are concerns it will be ready in time for the competition.
According to the DfC, a “streamlined” process will be pursued using “existing procurement frameworks for major construction projects with pre-qualified contractors”.
In 2013 the company was appointed, along with English construction firm Buckingham Group, to redevelop the landmark GAA ground, which has lain dormant for a decade.
Initially budgeted at £77 million, it is now estimated the delayed building project will cost around £160m to complete, with the GAA set to pick up just £15m of the total. The Irish Government has signalled it will contribute towards the cost.
Meanwhile, FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson and President Conrad Kirkwood plans to meet Northern Ireland fans to answer questions on Casement Park, according to report in the Belfast Telegraph.
Some fans have voiced opposition to the possibility of Northern Ireland playing in Casement Park.
