Longford's Pearse Park facing €2m repair bill

€2 million will have to be spent at Longford GAA headquarters, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, as part of the solution to render the south, southwest and west seated stands fit for purpose.

Refurbishment estimates, ranging from €300,000 to €7.1 million and even a staggering €15 million move to a greenfield site, were previously touted during a controversial saga that has dominated GAA affairs locally since 2014. 

However, a specially convened meeting of Longford GAA County Committee and club officers was informed that €2m would be the cost of an effective solution.

Subsidence issues first emerged beneath the south west corner stand area in June 2014 and in April 2015 a decision was taken on health and safety grounds to close the entire seated stand area and it has remained out of commission since.

Jack O’Leary, of Malachy Walsh & Partners, outlined in detail the specifics of the solution which will involve part demolition and part refurbishment. 

He further stated that the remedy would not necessitate replacement of the present steel structure or the precast concrete units. 

The  proposal met with the approval of those present and it will, next week, go before the GAA’s National Facilities Health & Safety Committee for formal approval.

Longford GAA Secretary Peter O’Reilly explained, “Before the tendering process can commence Longford GAA will firstly have to put in place a detailed financial plan for approval by the National Financial Management Committee.”