International rugby matches could be staged on the site of the former Maze Prison, the sport’s governing body in Ireland signalled today.
The Irish Rugby Football Union held out the prospect after giving its backing in principle to the Government’s plan for a new 42,500 seater multi-purpose sports stadium in Northern Ireland.
A statement from the IRFU and the Ulster branch said: “The IRFU supports in principle the concept of a Multi-Sports Stadium in Northern Ireland.
“Subject to a satisfactory resolution of all legal, financial and practical matters between the relevant stakeholders, the IRFU also supports the concept of certain Ireland A international matches being played there and would also agree to staging certain full international matches at the stadium from time to time.
“Likewise, Ulster Rugby, whilst regarding Ravenhill as its current and future home, is agreed in principle to the concept of a Multi-Sport Stadium subject to all material and consequential matters being satisfactorily resolved.”
Northern Ireland Office Sports Minster David Hanson had insisted the support of soccer, rugby and Gaelic games was vital if the Government’s dream of a state-of-the-art £85m stadium was to be realised.
Last March the Government said the 365 acre former Maze Jail, which housed some of Northern Ireland’s most notorious paramilitary prisoners, was the only viable site for a stadium.
The Government would like the stadium to host soccer, rugby and major Gaelic games events as well as rock concerts.
A cross-party Maze Consultation Panel have also proposed an International Centre for Conflict Transformation on the site, a zone for industrial development, an arts centre and an international equestrian centre.
Critics of the plan have claimed it is foolish to locate the stadium outside of Belfast which has a ready made tourist infrastructure of hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants in its city centre.
They have cited the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Croke Park in Dublin as examples of how major stadia work best in cities.
There are two separate bids from private developers to build a stadium in Belfast – one on the site of the former Maysfield Leisure Centre and another at Ormeau Park.
Northern Ireland Office Sports Minister, David Hanson welcomed rugby’s decision to give its commitment in principle but said there were still hurdles for the project to clear.
“This means we now have the backing of rugby, football and Gaelic which will allow us to move ahead,” the minister said.
“However, I am aware that all of the three sports have important issues that they wish to discuss and clarify with me and my Department.
“There are many more bridges to cross before the multi-sports stadium becomes a reality, but getting to this point is a major milestone.
“I would like to thank the IRFU and the Ulster Branch, the IFA and the GAA for their help and co-operation so far and for meeting the 27 January deadline I set them.”
References: EGi News 27/01/06
