Support for GAA stadia is still expected

ULSTER COUNCIL says its support for a £57m multi-sports stadium project will not free the Government of its obligation to financially aid the GAA in future development of stadia for its own games.

The GAA has agreed to stage games along with soccer and rugby at a proposed new multi-million pound sports stadium for Northern Ireland.

Council Secretary Danny Murphy said that they had a requirement to have all of their stadia brought up to the standard stipulated in their Strategic Plan by 2111.

The SDLP’s Culture, Arts and Leisure spokesman, Pat Ramsey complimented the Ulster Council on their leadership, expressing the view that agreeing to share the facilities with soccer and rugby would facilitate peace and reconciliation among young people.

Mr Murphy said that the planned stadium had the potential to signpost that sport was a vehicle for reconciliation, respect and inclusiveness in society.

“The GAA would wish to play its part in any such development,’’ he said, pointing out that the Association had supported the concept of a major multi-sport stadium for Northern Ireland since the early 90s.

However, he said that this support was “subject to certain conditions” being met. Recently, the Council took the decision to put its terms and conditions “on the record.”

They specified them to the Strategic Investment Board - which is carrying out the appraisal on the proposed statement on behalf of the Government - but had not made them public.

Mr Murphy stressed that the council would require the Government to support the necessary development of stadia on a similar basis to what applied in England, Scotland and Wales, having regard to the safety guidelines in place.

“The provision of a multi-sports stadium does not remove the need for stadia development by our Association, or support from the Government as before,’’ he said.

“What the Ulster Council requires is that any publicly-funded stadium built for multi-sports use will include the provision for Gaelic games in the new evolving future for this province.’’

He said that the GAA recognised the potential to “build confidence and sustainable communities” as demonstrated in the past. “In a sports-conscious country, we believe that sport has a support role to play in building a better and peaceful future for everyone.

"The completion of this stadium would indicate two things - (1) that the Government is committed to fair and equal treatment of sport and (2) that by sport working together, we can all contribute to a better future built on tolerance and mutual respect.’’

The empty Maze prison site in Lisburn is understood to be the Government's favoured location for the proposed stadium. It is also viewed as one of the most suitable due to its ample space and good railway and motorway links.