Government must carry through on stadium upgrade promises - Alliance

12.00.00am GMT Wed 7th Dec 2005

Alliance Sports Spokesperson Michael Long has welcomed government moves to upgrade safety in sports grounds, but questioned its attitude towards providing the relevant funding.

Speaking after Minister David Hanson announced a £30m upgrade to sports stadia across Northern Ireland, the Castlereagh Councillor responded: "I am delighted that the Government has reacted to pressure, led by the Alliance Party, to introduce similar measures to those in England 15 years ago after the Taylor Report. This move is long overdue, but better late than never.

"However, I would be concerned about the Government commitment to the £30 million package. This must not come at the expense of sports facilities for communities elsewhere. My party will be seeking clarification on exactly where the budget for this will be coming from.

"People must be able to attend sporting events in comfort and safety. This applies to professional and inter-county matches, but also to local community sports events. You cannot develop one without the other."

ENDS