Ms Guy said: “The Eikon Exhibition Centre, owned by Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, is well known for hosting the Balmoral Show and given its location and excellent facilities the centre is now attracting events all-year round, many of which were traditionally held in Belfast or Dublin.
“With additional infrastructure support, such as improved transport links, the Eikon Centre has the opportunity to expand its reach further and become a top European exhibition centre.
“We have the opportunity, as we do for the whole of the Maze Long Kesh site, to create something really positive for the people of Lagan Valley and Northern Ireland, to create jobs and investment, but we just need a bit strategic thinking.
“The Eikon Exhibition Centre and the wider site requires better transport access including a link road to the M1, and better train and bus links. This investment will support the site’s progress in becoming a top European exhibition centre, encouraging people from all over these islands and further to visit.
“Alongside my colleagues, Sorcha Eastwood MP and David Honeyford MLA, I will be doing what I can to realise the potential of this Centre and the wider Maze Long Kesh site.”
Theresa Morrissey, Group Executive Director of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, said: “Since the 2013 Balmoral Show, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has made this site its home and invested substantial funds in the development of the Eikon Exhibition Centre and show grounds.
“Best known for the Balmoral Show, the venue hosts a busy calendar of commercial events, bringing increasing visitor numbers and revenue to the local area.
“The Eikon is set to have another extremely busy year in 2025, with new and recurring events taking place on an almost weekly basis. It is vital that promises of improved infrastructure are realised and public transport projects are fast tracked for local residents and event attendees.”
“With additional infrastructure support, such as improved transport links, the Eikon Centre has the opportunity to expand its reach further and become a top European exhibition centre.
“We have the opportunity, as we do for the whole of the Maze Long Kesh site, to create something really positive for the people of Lagan Valley and Northern Ireland, to create jobs and investment, but we just need a bit strategic thinking.
“The Eikon Exhibition Centre and the wider site requires better transport access including a link road to the M1, and better train and bus links. This investment will support the site’s progress in becoming a top European exhibition centre, encouraging people from all over these islands and further to visit.
“Alongside my colleagues, Sorcha Eastwood MP and David Honeyford MLA, I will be doing what I can to realise the potential of this Centre and the wider Maze Long Kesh site.”
Theresa Morrissey, Group Executive Director of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, said: “Since the 2013 Balmoral Show, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has made this site its home and invested substantial funds in the development of the Eikon Exhibition Centre and show grounds.
“Best known for the Balmoral Show, the venue hosts a busy calendar of commercial events, bringing increasing visitor numbers and revenue to the local area.
“The Eikon is set to have another extremely busy year in 2025, with new and recurring events taking place on an almost weekly basis. It is vital that promises of improved infrastructure are realised and public transport projects are fast tracked for local residents and event attendees.”