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14/03/2008
Stormont Play-Off Over Maze Stadium
It's kick-off time as the two leading 'teams' in the NI Executive score points against each other on the pending decision on locating the contentious new sports stadium for Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein is now likely to stay 'in the dressing room' unless the new facility is built on the site of the former Maze Prison, while the Democratic Unionist Party is said to be threatening to blow the whistle if things don't go their way with a Belfast-based stadium.
As speculation continued that plans for a £240 million stadium hosting soccer, rugby and Gaelic Games matches may be jettisoned because of divisions in the DUP, Stormont Junior Minister Gerry Kelly insisted the development of the site must begin as soon as possible.
The North Belfast Assembly Member said: "The Long Kesh master plan proposal emerged from a lengthy and thorough consultative process. It received endorsement across the political spectrum.
"Long Kesh is one package. With it, a major opportunity now exists to provide a world-class facility for sport which would command the support and confidence of the GAA, the IRFU and the IFA and the wider sporting public.
"Sinn Fein will not accept a stadium being built on any other site."
Earlier this week, Finance Minister Peter Robinson and Sports Minister Edwin Poots moved to quell claims that their party, the DUP, had decided to abandon the plans.
However, some members of the DUP oppose the Maze site because they argue Belfast would be a much better location.
Other unionists have raised concerns that the Maze master plan also includes plans for the preservation of some of the old H-Block prison buildings as part of a conflict transformation centre.
Some DUP members, including Economy Minister Nigel Dodds, have voiced concerns that the retention of the prison buildings could be used as a shrine to terrorism.
Play continues, but with no referee on the field, there is likely to be a further 'kick-about' before any final score is declared.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Sinn Fein is now likely to stay 'in the dressing room' unless the new facility is built on the site of the former Maze Prison, while the Democratic Unionist Party is said to be threatening to blow the whistle if things don't go their way with a Belfast-based stadium.
As speculation continued that plans for a £240 million stadium hosting soccer, rugby and Gaelic Games matches may be jettisoned because of divisions in the DUP, Stormont Junior Minister Gerry Kelly insisted the development of the site must begin as soon as possible.
The North Belfast Assembly Member said: "The Long Kesh master plan proposal emerged from a lengthy and thorough consultative process. It received endorsement across the political spectrum.
"Long Kesh is one package. With it, a major opportunity now exists to provide a world-class facility for sport which would command the support and confidence of the GAA, the IRFU and the IFA and the wider sporting public.
"Sinn Fein will not accept a stadium being built on any other site."
Earlier this week, Finance Minister Peter Robinson and Sports Minister Edwin Poots moved to quell claims that their party, the DUP, had decided to abandon the plans.
However, some members of the DUP oppose the Maze site because they argue Belfast would be a much better location.
Other unionists have raised concerns that the Maze master plan also includes plans for the preservation of some of the old H-Block prison buildings as part of a conflict transformation centre.
Some DUP members, including Economy Minister Nigel Dodds, have voiced concerns that the retention of the prison buildings could be used as a shrine to terrorism.
Play continues, but with no referee on the field, there is likely to be a further 'kick-about' before any final score is declared.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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10 March 2008
Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
There are no immediate plans for Northern Ireland's leading unionist party to veto proposals to build a contentious sports stadium at the Maze.
Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
There are no immediate plans for Northern Ireland's leading unionist party to veto proposals to build a contentious sports stadium at the Maze.
08 April 2009
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
13 December 2007
Maze Stadium Plans Delayed In Walkout
A walkout by unionist members of an Assembly committee has stalled today's planned presentation of the blueprint for a 35,000-seater sports stadium at the site of the former Maze prison.
Maze Stadium Plans Delayed In Walkout
A walkout by unionist members of an Assembly committee has stalled today's planned presentation of the blueprint for a 35,000-seater sports stadium at the site of the former Maze prison.
24 July 2009
NI Sports Stadium: Options Weighed-up
Provision of a top-class sports stadium for Northern Ireland is again back on the agenda.
NI Sports Stadium: Options Weighed-up
Provision of a top-class sports stadium for Northern Ireland is again back on the agenda.
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.
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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.
