Time for decision on new stadium

9.54.53am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 31st May 2006

Alliance Party Sports Spokesperson Michael Long

Alliance Party Sports Spokesperson Michael Long has said it is time for a final decision on the site and size of a new Northern Ireland stadium.

The Castlereagh Councillor, who is the Party Vice Chair, stated: "Yet again we hear an announcement from the Government on the subject, but the whole issue is continuing to drift. Still no final decision has been made.

"It is understandable that many fans want the stadium in Belfast, while others are happy to see a base on the outskirts of the city. Many would also question the 42,000 capacity proposed, but others want to aim high.

Regardless of the arguments, it is time we got on and made a decision, or nothing will be built anywhere.

"The Olympics - which coincide with Belfast's celebrations of the anniversary of the Titanic - offer the obvious deadline for a new stadium to be operative. They are now only six years away. This means a new stadium must be built and being used within the next four years.

"The way we are going it looks like it will take more than four years to decide where to put the stadium, never mind build the thing. Whatever decision is made, it needs to be made now."

ENDS