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GAA 'rules out city stadium plan' GAA 'rules out city stadium plan'
(about 1 hour later)
The GAA would not agree to a proposed multi-sports stadium being built in Belfast, Sports Minister Edwin Poots has said.The GAA would not agree to a proposed multi-sports stadium being built in Belfast, Sports Minister Edwin Poots has said.
Mr Poots favours the former Maze prison site, but some DUP colleagues are among those who favour a Belfast site.Mr Poots favours the former Maze prison site, but some DUP colleagues are among those who favour a Belfast site.
The minister told the assembly's culture committee that rugby and soccer officials were split, with rugby bodies favouring Belfast for a future stadium.The minister told the assembly's culture committee that rugby and soccer officials were split, with rugby bodies favouring Belfast for a future stadium.
Gaelic sports, soccer and rugby would be played at any future stadium.Gaelic sports, soccer and rugby would be played at any future stadium.
Plans have been drawn up for a 35,000-seater facility at the Maze. Plans have been drawn up for a 35,000-seater facility at the Maze site.
Mr Poots said the GAA had ruled out proposed stadia on both the Belfast North Foreshore site and the Titanic Quarter. A multi-seater stadium is planned for Northern IrelandMr Poots said the GAA had ruled out proposed stadia on both the Belfast North Foreshore site and the Titanic Quarter.
A multi-seater stadium is planned for Northern IrelandHe said the Irish Football Association had also indicated it did not favour Belfast. He said the Irish Football Association was open to various sites, but its chief executive, Howard Wells, had a personal preference for the Maze.
Assembly members interrupted their summer recess to address the controversial matter.Assembly members interrupted their summer recess to address the controversial matter.
At the weekend, Finance Minister Peter Robinson said he was "keeping an open mind" about proposals to build a stadium at the former Maze prison site. Mr Poots told the committee that consultants had begun work on a final business plan.
Fellow members of the DUP have expressed concerns that the project will be tied to a prison museum. Ultimately no unionist will accept any proposal which will be a glorification of terrorism Edwin PootsSports minister This would focus on a number of options including an economic appraisal of the Maze proposal, the "virtual Belfast" option and a cost analysis of refurbishing existing sporting venues.
Others have insisted that the sports stadium should be in Belfast. 'Indignation'
Ulster Unionist committee vice chairman David McNarry asked the minister what impact unionist indignation would have on his decision on whether to take forward the Maze stadium plan.
Mr Poots said that while the issue of the conflict transformation centre was a matter for another department, "ultimately no unionist will accept any proposal which will be a glorification of terrorism".
He said cross-community consensus was essential.