GAA and Stormont officials have launched a "due diligence exercise" after one of the construction firms behind a joint venture to rebuild Casement Park filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
In 2013 construction firm Buckingham Group was appointed along with Co Derry company Heron Bros to redevelop the landmark GAA facility in west Belfast.
However, in a fresh setback for the controversial project, Buckingham Group gave notice of its intention to appoint administrators last week.
Read More: Casement Park rebuild hit by fresh setback
Casement Park as Euro 2028 venue moves a step closer
It has now emerged that the GAA, Department for Communities and Stormont's Central Procurement Directorate, which is part of the Department of Finance, have launched an exercise to "assess the potential implications" of recent events on the project.
![A redeveloped Casement Park has been included in a bid by the UK and Ireland to stage the Euro 2028 tournament](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/U2SMPWFYMJOFDC44RHLB53MRPI.jpg?auth=74f8a94bf19ed97b6fc737dbc31f614379e3998f0cb5b388d14bdf953c49c5bc&width=800&height=505)
Although the original contract was agreed a decade ago, just last month the GAA and DfC published a VEAT ((voluntary ex-ante transparency notice) to notify the construction market of their " intention to modify the existing works contract for Casement Park, with the incumbent contractor HBJV".
The VEAT notice allows for a contract to be awarded to a provider without competition where it is believed an organisation is in a unique position to deliver a service that meets the commissioner's needs.
A spokesman for Ulster GAA said: "Last month, Ulster GAA and the Department for Communities published a VEAT (voluntary ex-ante transparency notice) to notify the construction market of our intention to modify the existing works contract for Casement Park, with the incumbent contractor HBJV.
"There were no queries or challenges submitted by any third party during the statutory period for reply."
"The contract therefore remains in situ and the process to assess the value of the proposed change in price continues prior to any modification being implemented."
The spokesman added that following the recent announcement by Buckingham Group a " due diligence exercise" will examine existing arrangements.
"Following the news reported about the Buckingham Group Ltd last week, Ulster GAA, its Project Board and partners in DfC and CPD have initiated a due diligence exercise to assess the potential implications for our project and assess the standing of all entities within the existing joint venture structure," he said.
"This process remains on-going.
"Ulster GAA is committed to starting work on site at Casement Park in early 2024."
![What the new Casement Park might look like](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/GMUS74GJKROJRNNNUZGGMJM3LQ.jpg?auth=41d8d1fb11550d47562bb916bd4b2b06a35ebab43fb9c644507d47e986707fbe&width=800&height=428)
The redevelopment project has been dogged delays as a result of legal challenges by some local residents and the site has lain dormant for a decade.
The redeveloped Casement Park, which will have a 34,500 capacity, has been included in a joint Ireland/Britain bid to host Euro 2028.
It is estimated the overdue building project will cost around £160m to complete, with the GAA set to pick up just £15m of the total.
The project was initially budgeted at £77 million.
Earlier this year, secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris claimed that the cash will be found to build the stadium.
The Ulster GAA spokesman said it is anticipated that "investment decisions will be taken in late Autumn 2023".
Last week Buckingham Group said in a statement that it has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators
"As a result of the recent challenges the board has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators to protect the business whilst we explore a sale of all or part of the business in a very short period (days/weeks)," it said in its statement.
"We will be liaising with clients and interested parties to optimise any solution and secure the best outcome for creditors."
Heron Bros were contacted.