29/08/2007

Sinn Féin Council Group Pledges Support For Ormeau Park Campaigners

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has pledged the support of the 18 member Sinn Féin council grouping on Belfast City Council to South Belfast residents opposed to the sighting of a new football stadium at Ormeau Park.

The pledge comes after Sinn Féin council group leader, Cllr. Paul Maskey, recently met with campaigners.

Alex Maskey has also called upon the other political parties on the Council to give their support to the campaigners.

The South Belfast MLA said: “Residents living in South Belfast, particularly the areas close to the Ormeau Park, are quite rightly concerned at the prospect of having a large stadium built in Ormeau Park. There are particular concerns around the loss of green space as well as the knock on effects that such as stadium would have, such as increased parking and traffic problems, and noise pollution. Added to this is the fact that there is not the infrastructure within the area to cope with such a project.”

The Ormeau Park stadium is being floated as a viable alternative to the 35,000-seater stadium proposed on the site of the former Maze Prison for soccer, rugby and gaelic games.

Mr Maskey added: “Sinn Féin is on record as stating our support for local residents in opposing such a development. At a recent meeting with those campaigning against the development Sinn Féin pledged the full support of all our council group members on Belfast City Council for their campaign.”

Calling on the other parties to show support Mr Maskey said: “I would call upon all the other political parties on the council to likewise come out in support of the local residents in this area.”

(SB/SP)

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