Football

Casement Park needs new main contractor after Heron Bros exit

A computer-generated image of how Casement Park will look when the new stadium is built.
A computer-generated image of how Casement Park will look when the new stadium is built.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/10/24/news/planning_approval_granted_for_replacement_casement_park_social_club-3725516/Ulster GAA has today advised that Heron Bros Limited, its long-standing construction contractor, will not proceed to deliver the main works contract for the new Casement Park.

The provincial body says that it is working closely with their partners in the Department for Communities (DfC) to progress procurement of a contractor using recognised frameworks for major construction projects.

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Ulster GAA added: "We are determined and confident that construction work will commence in line with the timelines required to host the UEFA EURO Championships in 2028.

"Ulster GAA is bringing forward critical aspects of the construction programme to progress the project, at pace, during the process to secure a new main contractor in the coming months, including site clearance and a range of enabling works packages."

Heron Bros Limited participated fully in a

recent due diligence exerciseOpens in new window ]

following its JV partner, Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd, falling into administration and demonstrated their capacity and capability to bring this project forward.

However Ulster GAA says that it has become clear that the restrictions of the Public Contract Regulations prevent Ulster GAA from pursuing its preferred option of retaining and modifying the existing contract for the project.

The statement concluded: "Ulster GAA sincerely thanks Heron Bros Limited for its commitment to this project and its work over the past ten years. In particular, we want to highlight the work undertaken with the local community in other connected projects, including the

Casement Park Social ClubOpens in new window ]

."