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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)
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Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
19 July 2007
Windsor Park dispute continues
Linfield Football Club (LFC) are seeking legal advice following recent concerns shown by the Irish Football Association (IFA) over the safety and condition of Windsor Park, home to both Linfield and Northern Ireland. A statement was released this week by LFC in response to a letter from the IFA that purported to terminate their existing contract.
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Linfield Football Club (LFC) are seeking legal advice following recent concerns shown by the Irish Football Association (IFA) over the safety and condition of Windsor Park, home to both Linfield and Northern Ireland. A statement was released this week by LFC in response to a letter from the IFA that purported to terminate their existing contract.
20 January 2006
IFA opts for Maze stadium plan
At an Executive Committee meeting, the IFA have backed the development of the proposed new multi-purpose stadium at the Maze site. Voting for the proposal, the soccer body said that they were prepared to "progress the matter with Government" on the basis that two other sports also found the stadium proposal attractive.
IFA opts for Maze stadium plan
At an Executive Committee meeting, the IFA have backed the development of the proposed new multi-purpose stadium at the Maze site. Voting for the proposal, the soccer body said that they were prepared to "progress the matter with Government" on the basis that two other sports also found the stadium proposal attractive.
13 June 2008
Maze Stadium Plan 'A Winner' Says Former Minister
Locating Northern Ireland's national stadium at the former Maze prison site is the only worthy option - according to a former NI Executive Minister. Edwin Poots, speaking for the first time since being replaced as Arts and Culture Minister, does not believe he had lost his job because of his support for the controversial Maze stadium project.
Maze Stadium Plan 'A Winner' Says Former Minister
Locating Northern Ireland's national stadium at the former Maze prison site is the only worthy option - according to a former NI Executive Minister. Edwin Poots, speaking for the first time since being replaced as Arts and Culture Minister, does not believe he had lost his job because of his support for the controversial Maze stadium project.
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