This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7286098.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
No decision made on Maze - Poots Minister denies DUP veto on Maze
(1 day later)
No decision has been taken on the Maze stadium project, Culture Minister Edwin Poots has told the BBC. Culture Minister Edwin Poots has moved to dismiss speculation that the DUP plans to veto proposals to build a sports stadium at the Maze.
There was speculation in a Sunday newspaper that plans for a £240m multi-sports stadium would be scrapped. There were reports in a Sunday newspaper that his party are to say no to the redevelopment of the site.
Mr Poots, who is in the United States, said that the Department of Finance and Personnel, is currently examining the economic appraisal. However, Mr Poots said the Department of Finance and Personnel were still studying the project's business case.
He said that this would take another month, and then a political decision will be made. He said: "No decision has been taken and no decision will be taken until the work the DFP are doing is under taken."
He added that the project has been discussed by senior members of the party but there has been no firm decision. He added that this would take another month, and then a political decision would be made.
There are plans for Northern Ireland's national stadium to be built on the site of the former Maze Prison. Business case
The Gaelic Athletic Association, Irish Football Association and Ulster Rugby have all confirmed they would play games at the venue. He said the project had been discussed by senior members of the party, but no firm decision had been taken.
The business case for the £240m multi-sports stadium is currently with Finance Minister Peter Robinson.
Sinn Fein assembly member Barry McElduff said the Maze stadium should go ahead as planned.
He said: "Let's not be put off by silly internal party political concerns within the DUP. Let's show real vision for the future."
BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Gareth Gordon said: "Mr Robinson knows that saying no would be popular within the wider party, especially as it looks like he will soon be leader as well.
"Ultimately it's a matter for the whole executive. Sinn Fein are likely to oppose the building of a stadium anywhere else but that's not the only problem.
"The redevelopment of Windsor Park where the Northern Ireland soccer team currently plays is one option which has been mentioned."
"But the BBC understands that the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure has been informed by Roads Service that significantly redeveloping the stadium would create serious difficulties.
"It would require major road upgrading and the purchasing of land.
"It would also lead to serious parking problems and face strong local opposition."
Planning problems
"Another option is the Blanchflower stadium in East Belfast.
"But Road Service say that would require improvements to the Tillysburn roundabout, while the Planning Service say planning problems which ruled it out as an option three years ago still exist."
The Gaelic Athletic Association, Irish Football Association and Ulster Rugby have all confirmed they would play games at the Maze venue.
The site is just outside Lisburn in County Antrim.The site is just outside Lisburn in County Antrim.
The Maze site is opposed by some unionists due to plans to build a conflict transformation centre alongside the stadium and by some Northern Ireland football fans who want any new stadium to be in Belfast. Some unionists oppose the Maze site due to plans to build a conflict transformation centre alongside the stadium.