Sammy Wilson Visits Ravenhill Development

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill Stadium to observe progress on redevelopment that will deliver three new stands, new training facilities, new turn styles and terraces and increase capacity to over 18,000 spectators.

The development is part of an investment across all three of Northern Ireland's major stadiums; including the Irish Football Association's Windsor Park in south Belfast and Casement Park in west Belfast, which is set to become Ulster's primary GAA stadium.

Gilbert Ash is the main contractor for the Ravenhill project. The procurement contract means the company must provide employment and apprenticeship opportunities for students and the long term unemployed.

Speaking during the tour, Sammy Wilson said: "This site is an excellent example of social clauses that work and demonstrates the Executive’s commitment of including social clauses in all public procurement contracts.

"Social clauses have been successfully used within the construction industry, first of all, to get people who are economically inactive back into work through the provision of training and help with skills development and, secondly, to provide opportunities for apprenticeships and placements for students on construction-related courses."

Concluding, the Minister said: "The Executive will have spent well over £1bn, both this year and next year, on capital projects. The redevelopment of this stadium is just one of a number of capital projects where government have invested and is further evidence of its commitment to rebuild and rebalance Northern Ireland’s economy."

(IT/MH)