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24/05/2004
National stadium plans a step closer
Plans for a new sports stadium in Northern Ireland took a step closer today after Sports Minister, Angela Smith said such a project was "operationally viable".
The Minister was responding to a viability study by the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) that was commissioned in January to look into the possibility of such a venture.
In response to the study, the Minister said if that such a plan was fully supported by soccer, rugby and the GAA, and if an acceptable site could be found, then Government backing would be forthcoming.
She added: "Only if we find a site that everyone is comfortable with and all three sports commit to playing there, can we even consider constructing a stadium.
"There is a great deal of work still to be done if we are to find an agreed site and gain the necessary commitment from the three sports."
SIB member, Tony Whitehead said his agency would now look into the site issue and report by late autumn.
Mr Whitehead, who was a member of the team of consultants who rescued the Wembley Stadium bid, said the soccer, rugby and GAA authorities had all fully co-operated with the business planning exercise.
He also said that as the site appraisal stage gets underway there was still an opportunity for any proposal for a stadium site to be considered by the SIB.
(MB)
The Minister was responding to a viability study by the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) that was commissioned in January to look into the possibility of such a venture.
In response to the study, the Minister said if that such a plan was fully supported by soccer, rugby and the GAA, and if an acceptable site could be found, then Government backing would be forthcoming.
She added: "Only if we find a site that everyone is comfortable with and all three sports commit to playing there, can we even consider constructing a stadium.
"There is a great deal of work still to be done if we are to find an agreed site and gain the necessary commitment from the three sports."
SIB member, Tony Whitehead said his agency would now look into the site issue and report by late autumn.
Mr Whitehead, who was a member of the team of consultants who rescued the Wembley Stadium bid, said the soccer, rugby and GAA authorities had all fully co-operated with the business planning exercise.
He also said that as the site appraisal stage gets underway there was still an opportunity for any proposal for a stadium site to be considered by the SIB.
(MB)
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Belfast City Council are today to launch a new drive to have Northern Ireland's national sports stadium built in Belfast. This comes a week after the government's proposal for the development of the 42,000-seater stadium on the former Maze Prison site near Lisburn were officially launched.
Belfast launches drive for sports stadium
Belfast City Council are today to launch a new drive to have Northern Ireland's national sports stadium built in Belfast. This comes a week after the government's proposal for the development of the 42,000-seater stadium on the former Maze Prison site near Lisburn were officially launched.
31 January 2006
Sports Minister tours Maze stadium site
Northern Ireland Sports Minister David Hanson has visited the Maze to tour the site for the proposed multi-sports stadium.
Sports Minister tours Maze stadium site
Northern Ireland Sports Minister David Hanson has visited the Maze to tour the site for the proposed multi-sports stadium.
23 January 2004
Sports Minister to decide on viability of NI stadium
Sports Minister Angela Smith has announced the commissioning of a business plan to finally decide whether a sports stadium for Northern Ireland would be commercially viable. The Minister said: “For years there has been argument and debate about such a stadium and I believe it is now time to see whether the figures stack up.
Sports Minister to decide on viability of NI stadium
Sports Minister Angela Smith has announced the commissioning of a business plan to finally decide whether a sports stadium for Northern Ireland would be commercially viable. The Minister said: “For years there has been argument and debate about such a stadium and I believe it is now time to see whether the figures stack up.
09 August 2010
Coleraine Seeks Site For Sports Stadium
A proposal that includes selling off an existing loss-making leisure centre on Coleraine's Railway Road may be key to raising funds for new state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
Coleraine Seeks Site For Sports Stadium
A proposal that includes selling off an existing loss-making leisure centre on Coleraine's Railway Road may be key to raising funds for new state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
11 February 2009
Failed Maze Stadium Plan Cost NI £4m
A Stormont Executive Minister has admitted that scrapped plans to build a multi-sports stadium at the Maze prison site has already cost taxpayers £millions. NI Sports Minister Gregory Campbell said that a total of £3,598,708 was poured in to the scheme during the initial stages of the proposed flagship sports scheme.
Failed Maze Stadium Plan Cost NI £4m
A Stormont Executive Minister has admitted that scrapped plans to build a multi-sports stadium at the Maze prison site has already cost taxpayers £millions. NI Sports Minister Gregory Campbell said that a total of £3,598,708 was poured in to the scheme during the initial stages of the proposed flagship sports scheme.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
