By Dara Bradley

A contractor has finally been appointed to complete construction work on Hibernians FC clubhouse in Bohermore, which has been long delayed due to protracted legal contract negotiations since the original builders went into receivership and left the project half finished.

A Dublin-based company, Weslin Construction, has been awarded the contract to complete works at the Galway Hibernian’s clubhouse – the contractor must finish the project within six months.

Construction work on the project will recommence on Tuesday, August 7 and is expected to be completed early next year.

The company that was carrying out work on the clubhouse, Cordil Construction, went into receivership over a year ago and the work on the city soccer club’s home has stalled ever since.

Weslin Construction, who this week successfully tendered for the project, is the fourth contractor Galway City Council has been in negotiations with since Cordil ceased trading.

City Councillor Ollie Crowe welcomed the appointment of the contractors.

“I am delighted with the news that works at Galway Hibernians will recommence on Tuesday, August 7. Club officials and members have been extremely frustrated yet remarkably patient over the past 15 months. Club members and visiting teams were expected to change in their cars or a nearby community centre.

“This facility is long-overdue in the city centre. The entire community is rejoicing with the announcement that works on the 4,000 ft2 development will recommence next month. The clubhouse will include six dressing rooms with shower facilities, gym, meeting rooms, office space and a substantial car park,” said Cllr Crowe.

The Council has decided to appoint a Clerk of Works to ensure the project runs smoothly and the clerk, who will act as a point of contact at City Hall for the club and contractor, has assured that the project will be completed by Spring, 2013.

“I acknowledge the efforts made by the Council to resolve this complex issue. I trust they will appreciate the frustrations endured by the club and its members. I expect Galway City Council to ensure the pitch and grounds are properly landscaped once works are completed at the clubhouse,” Cllr Crowe added.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.