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17/06/2008
Ormeau Park Stadium Bid Boosted
Controversy over the location of NI's own 'national' sports stadium grew today with news that the Irish Football Association President Raymond Kennedy would like to see it located in Belfast - and not the much debated former Maze prison site outside Lisburn.
He wants to see it built at Ormeau Park in Belfast because he believes the Maze is no longer an option for the stadium which would accommodate football, rugby and GAA.
"I would love to have a nice, spanking new stadium at Ormeau Park," he said.
Kennedy added that the IFA, Linfield soccer team and the NI Executive would meet this week to discuss the disputed international contract at Windsor Park.
The IFA and Linfield have already held an "exploratory" meeting over the issue, which could he heading for the courts.
The governing body wants to terminate a deal signed in 1984 stating that all home internationals would be played at Linfield's Windsor Park for 104 years.
This follows a question mark over Windsor Park's future suitability for international football after a report for the government said there was a high risk of fire in the South Stand, used by up to 4,000 spectators.
The report's executive summary said Windsor did not comply with UEFA requirements in a number of areas.
Now, Mr Kennedy has said: "Belfast City Council have come up with five sites and I would take any one of them."
Earlier this month, five potential sites in the capital were short listed by the council.
Maysfield, Ormeau Park, North Foreshore, Boucher Road and Blanchflower/Tommy Patton Park were detailed in a report, produced by development consultants Driver Jonas, on behalf of the council.
A copy of the business plan has been forwarded to the Department for Finance and Personnel and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for their consideration.
Chairman of the Council's Parks and Leisure Committee, Councillor Bob Stoker, has again called on the Government to work in conjunction with the council.
Mr Stoker said he wants private developers to deliver the stadium in the "most cost effective way to meet the needs of the sports and the demands of the fans for a city location".
See: Belfast's Bid For A Stadium Unveiled
(BMcC)
He wants to see it built at Ormeau Park in Belfast because he believes the Maze is no longer an option for the stadium which would accommodate football, rugby and GAA.
"I would love to have a nice, spanking new stadium at Ormeau Park," he said.
Kennedy added that the IFA, Linfield soccer team and the NI Executive would meet this week to discuss the disputed international contract at Windsor Park.
The IFA and Linfield have already held an "exploratory" meeting over the issue, which could he heading for the courts.
The governing body wants to terminate a deal signed in 1984 stating that all home internationals would be played at Linfield's Windsor Park for 104 years.
This follows a question mark over Windsor Park's future suitability for international football after a report for the government said there was a high risk of fire in the South Stand, used by up to 4,000 spectators.
The report's executive summary said Windsor did not comply with UEFA requirements in a number of areas.
Now, Mr Kennedy has said: "Belfast City Council have come up with five sites and I would take any one of them."
Earlier this month, five potential sites in the capital were short listed by the council.
Maysfield, Ormeau Park, North Foreshore, Boucher Road and Blanchflower/Tommy Patton Park were detailed in a report, produced by development consultants Driver Jonas, on behalf of the council.
A copy of the business plan has been forwarded to the Department for Finance and Personnel and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for their consideration.
Chairman of the Council's Parks and Leisure Committee, Councillor Bob Stoker, has again called on the Government to work in conjunction with the council.
Mr Stoker said he wants private developers to deliver the stadium in the "most cost effective way to meet the needs of the sports and the demands of the fans for a city location".
See: Belfast's Bid For A Stadium Unveiled
(BMcC)
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29 August 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.
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.
22 July 2009
Ormeau Is Recommended For Stadium
Ormeau Park has been recommended as the site for the new NI multi-sports stadium. The site was considered alongside the Blanchflower stadium at Sydenham and the Maysfield Leisure centre site as part of a £100,000 consultation funded by Belfast City Council.
Ormeau Is Recommended For Stadium
Ormeau Park has been recommended as the site for the new NI multi-sports stadium. The site was considered alongside the Blanchflower stadium at Sydenham and the Maysfield Leisure centre site as part of a £100,000 consultation funded by Belfast City Council.
28 July 2021
New Casement Park Stadium Proposal Approved
Final planning permission has been approved for a new stadium at Casement Park in Belfast. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA granted final planning approval. As a result the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) will be able to build a new 34,578 capacity stadium on its existing site on the Andersonstown Road.
New Casement Park Stadium Proposal Approved
Final planning permission has been approved for a new stadium at Casement Park in Belfast. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA granted final planning approval. As a result the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) will be able to build a new 34,578 capacity stadium on its existing site on the Andersonstown Road.
11 January 2019
Greyhound Stadium At Drumbo Park Closes
Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium near Lisburn is set to close immediately with the loss of 44 jobs. The directors of the Lambeg venue released a statement on Friday 11 January, saying the business was no longer sustainable, blaming a shortage of greyhounds and restrictive licensing laws, as well as the growth in online gambling.
Greyhound Stadium At Drumbo Park Closes
Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium near Lisburn is set to close immediately with the loss of 44 jobs. The directors of the Lambeg venue released a statement on Friday 11 January, saying the business was no longer sustainable, blaming a shortage of greyhounds and restrictive licensing laws, as well as the growth in online gambling.
06 November 2020
NI Fans To Return For Play-Off Final
The Irish Football Association has confirmed that fans will be permitted to attend Northern Ireland's UEFA Euro 2020 play-off final. Some 1060 members of the Green and White Army will head to Windsor Park next Thursday, 12 November, to watch Ian Baraclough's side take on Slovakia in the crucial play-off.
NI Fans To Return For Play-Off Final
The Irish Football Association has confirmed that fans will be permitted to attend Northern Ireland's UEFA Euro 2020 play-off final. Some 1060 members of the Green and White Army will head to Windsor Park next Thursday, 12 November, to watch Ian Baraclough's side take on Slovakia in the crucial play-off.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
