Contractors unable to proceed with Casement Park construction
Last updated 24th Nov 2023
The contractors who had been due to construct the new Casement Park in Belfast are now unable to proceed.
In a statement released by Ulster GAA, they've said that Heron Bros Limited will now not proceed with the works on the stadium.
However, they insist a new contractor will be found to keep the building of the stadium in time for the Euro 2028 Championships.
"We are working closely with our partners in the Department for Communities (DfC) to progress procurement of a contractor using recognised frameworks for major construction projects," say Ulster GAA.
"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 exercise following its JV partner, Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd, falling into administration and demonstrated their capacity and capability to bring this project forward. 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 added.
A statement from Heron Bros said: “Heron Bros Ltd is disappointed with the news that Ulster GAA has been left with no choice but to bring the current procurement process for the rebuild of Casement Park to an end due to technical restrictions within the Public Contract Regulations.
“We have remained committed to the Casement Park redevelopment project for more than 10 years and will now await details of any future procurement exercise before considering the potential for our company to be involved in any future bid to deliver the important stadium project.”
The Casement Park project has come in for heavy criticism from some Northern Ireland fans who feel the Euros should be held at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.