Menu
09/09/2009
Windsor Scheme Gets IFA Support
Plans to invest in Belfast's Windsor Park have been backed by the Irish Football Association.
The IFA said it "agreed in principle" with redevelopment proposals for the stadium, which comes just months after the government officially axed plans for a national sporting complex.
A much mooted scheme at the former Maze prison site had been expected to house the Province's main rugby, football and GAA sides.
The IFA's support for renovation at Windsor Park, in east Belfast, could end any potential for a shared facility in the future.
Windsor Park is the official home of the Northern Ireland squad and Linfield FC, who rents the grounds to the IFA.
The current stadium has a 13,500 capacity, which will need to be greatly increased.
In a statement, the IFA said: "The size of the stadium, together with the ownership structure of the stadium and negotiations around the existing contract with Linfield FC, were not discussed, but the association will now begin work on these areas and other key elements of the redevelopment project."
However, Alliance's sports spokesperson has slammed the IFA's decision to back a redevelopment scheme at Windsor Park.
Kieran McCarthy said the move has damaged the chances of a shared all-sports stadium being built.
The Strangford MLA said: "Sprucing up dilapidated facilities is not the way forward - a new stadium which all three sports buy into would be a massive economic driver for Northern Ireland."
He claimed The IFA's decision "lacks ambition" and needs a "total rethink".
"For Northern Ireland to build a united community we need shared services, not the duplication of facilities.
"The IFA's decision has seriously damaged the chances of a shared stadium being built."
Mr McCarthy added: "A shared stadium makes sense because Northern Ireland needs a ground which is a shared space where everyone feels they can come and can enjoy rugby, football and GAA. Anything less than a multi-sports stadium is simply not good enough."
(PR/KMcA)
The IFA said it "agreed in principle" with redevelopment proposals for the stadium, which comes just months after the government officially axed plans for a national sporting complex.
A much mooted scheme at the former Maze prison site had been expected to house the Province's main rugby, football and GAA sides.
The IFA's support for renovation at Windsor Park, in east Belfast, could end any potential for a shared facility in the future.
Windsor Park is the official home of the Northern Ireland squad and Linfield FC, who rents the grounds to the IFA.
The current stadium has a 13,500 capacity, which will need to be greatly increased.
In a statement, the IFA said: "The size of the stadium, together with the ownership structure of the stadium and negotiations around the existing contract with Linfield FC, were not discussed, but the association will now begin work on these areas and other key elements of the redevelopment project."
However, Alliance's sports spokesperson has slammed the IFA's decision to back a redevelopment scheme at Windsor Park.
Kieran McCarthy said the move has damaged the chances of a shared all-sports stadium being built.
The Strangford MLA said: "Sprucing up dilapidated facilities is not the way forward - a new stadium which all three sports buy into would be a massive economic driver for Northern Ireland."
He claimed The IFA's decision "lacks ambition" and needs a "total rethink".
"For Northern Ireland to build a united community we need shared services, not the duplication of facilities.
"The IFA's decision has seriously damaged the chances of a shared stadium being built."
Mr McCarthy added: "A shared stadium makes sense because Northern Ireland needs a ground which is a shared space where everyone feels they can come and can enjoy rugby, football and GAA. Anything less than a multi-sports stadium is simply not good enough."
(PR/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
-
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.
