AFTER nine years of talks with little to show, construction of the new stand at the Emerald GAA Grounds in Ruislip is now gaining momentum fast.
Work commenced on the £4.17million project at the back end of June and already the main feature – a 1,950-seater stand – is looking impressive.
Around 750 of those seats will be covered with a roof, while a medical treatment room is being built beneath it, along with the four new changing rooms and referee’s room.
The lack of disabled facilities is also being addressed, while the glowing green pitch visible in the picture above is freshly laid, one of the most financially draining aspects of the whole process.
Sports field specialists Prunty Contracts Ltd were responsible for redeveloping the pitch – and Longford company Kiernan Structural Steelwork Ltd are overseeing framework on the stand.
Fitzgerald and Burke Ltd, the principle contractor, are taking care of general build while Brentford-based Foran Construction Ltd have been entrusted with the ground works.
Meanwhile, London GAA have confirmed that the grounds will retain its commercial name – The Irish TV Grounds – until further notice while the Diaspora broadcasters face an uncertain future.
A spokesperson for London GAA said: “Irish TV is still in operation as it seeks new investors, as things stand the sponsorship agreement is still in place.”
Meanwhile, for a donation of £125 towards the cost of the redevelopment, London GAA will place a plaque on a seat with the name of the backer or a nominated name - and there's still time to purchase one.
Anyone interested should contact [email protected].
