Sisk contractors confirmed for €70m Páirc Uí Chaoimh development

Cork GAA chiefs insisted last night it was all systems go on the €70m redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh as they confirmed John Sisk and Son as the main contractor for the project.

Enabling work on the stadium will “commence immediately”, Cork GAA chairman Ger Lane told delegates at a closed-doors meeting on the matter.

He said there was now a “clear pathway” for progress to be made on the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the establishment of a centre of excellence.

“We are very confident that the project will be completed by June 2, 2017,” Mr Lane said. “I think there is great sense of anticipation within the GAA community and among sports people in general about this project.

“The Cork GAA public deserves top class, modern facilities to house its games and to meet today’s expectation of players, coaches and spectators alike. The city will also benefit considerably from the economic benefits to be generated by major games and events at the stadium.”

The appointment of Sisk follows confirmation that the business case advanced by the County Board for the project had been deemed fully compliant with the public funding code and been approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for exchequer support.

That State aid is currently been notified for assessment at EU level, through a submission by the Government via the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport, a process which is likely to be completed in the short term.

GAA officials pledged that Páirc Uí Chaoimh would be an integral part of Marina Park, the public amenity being developed by Cork City Council.

“The board has worked very closely with Cork City Council and its appointed consultants for Marina Park to ensure that the facility integrates with the public park,” they said.