Menu
28/06/2004
New safety proposals set for sports grounds
Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Angela Smith today announced the publication of a consultation document on a proposal to introduce legislation to govern safety at sports grounds in Northern Ireland.
Speaking this morning, the Minister said that unlike Great Britain, there was no specific legislation in Northern Ireland relating to spectator safety, however, the proposed legislation would bring the province into line with the rest of the UK.
"This (the legislation) would give powers to local District Councils to issue safety certificates, enforce the conditions of the safety certificates and, if necessary, issue prohibition notices," the Minister said. "Valid certificates would be required not only for sporting events but also for any other public event held in the sports grounds.
"The certificates would incorporate spectator viewing capacities, entry and exiting arrangements, safety management arrangements and contingency plans."
Angela Smith explained that her Department also considered that there should be a body to oversee the implementation of this legislation and to ensure that the same standards are applied across Northern Ireland. It would also provide advice and guidance to all interested parties, including governing bodies of sporting organisations, clubs and the District Councils responsible for issuing the safety certificates.
She added: "I believe the introduction of new legislation is vitally important. All too often we have seen the tragic results of accidents at sports grounds around the world, accidents which might have been prevented had the correct safety features been in place.
"Around 50% of the Northern Ireland population attend sporting events and their safety and comfort must be made a priority. Having good safety standards in place lowers the risk of accident and will help build attendance figures and encourage more families to support sporting events."
The Consultation Document is available on the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s website www.dcalni.gov.uk. The consultation period will end on October 1.
(MB)
Speaking this morning, the Minister said that unlike Great Britain, there was no specific legislation in Northern Ireland relating to spectator safety, however, the proposed legislation would bring the province into line with the rest of the UK.
"This (the legislation) would give powers to local District Councils to issue safety certificates, enforce the conditions of the safety certificates and, if necessary, issue prohibition notices," the Minister said. "Valid certificates would be required not only for sporting events but also for any other public event held in the sports grounds.
"The certificates would incorporate spectator viewing capacities, entry and exiting arrangements, safety management arrangements and contingency plans."
Angela Smith explained that her Department also considered that there should be a body to oversee the implementation of this legislation and to ensure that the same standards are applied across Northern Ireland. It would also provide advice and guidance to all interested parties, including governing bodies of sporting organisations, clubs and the District Councils responsible for issuing the safety certificates.
She added: "I believe the introduction of new legislation is vitally important. All too often we have seen the tragic results of accidents at sports grounds around the world, accidents which might have been prevented had the correct safety features been in place.
"Around 50% of the Northern Ireland population attend sporting events and their safety and comfort must be made a priority. Having good safety standards in place lowers the risk of accident and will help build attendance figures and encourage more families to support sporting events."
The Consultation Document is available on the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s website www.dcalni.gov.uk. The consultation period will end on October 1.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
07 December 2005
Sports ground safety funding announced
Around £9 million is to be made available to sports grounds across Northern Ireland to improve safety standards. Sports Minister David Hanson announced the funding during a debate in Parliament on the draft Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2005.
Sports ground safety funding announced
Around £9 million is to be made available to sports grounds across Northern Ireland to improve safety standards. Sports Minister David Hanson announced the funding during a debate in Parliament on the draft Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2005.
14 June 2005
Sports Minister highlights need for venue safety
Sports Minister David Hanson has visited Ravenhill today to raise awareness of a consultation process on proposed legislation governing safety in sports grounds.
Sports Minister highlights need for venue safety
Sports Minister David Hanson has visited Ravenhill today to raise awareness of a consultation process on proposed legislation governing safety in sports grounds.
04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
06 October 2003
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
