§ Mr. DonaldsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will provide details of the membership of the Working Group established to investigate the possibility of a national sports stadium for Northern Ireland; what are its terms of reference; and when the Working Group intends to hold its first meeting. [79343]
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§ Mr. McFallThe membership of the Working Group to be established to investigate the possibility of a national sports stadium for Northern Ireland will represent the following interests:
Chairman:
- To be appointed by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland
Members:
- Representative from the Department of the Environment
- Representative from the Belfast City Council
- Two representatives from the Private Sector
- One representative from each of Rugby, Soccer, Gaelic Sports and Athletics.
The Working Group's terms of reference are:
To explore the need for, and feasibility of providing a national stadium, in particular:
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- to consult with relevant sporting interests to determine their willingness to participate in the promotion and operation of a national stadium
- to identify a potential promoter/owner/operator
- to assess the potential regenerative impact of a national stadium
- to examine the capital and recurrent funding implications and associated locational issues
- to examine the potential relationships and linkages with relevant public and private sector organisations
- to construct an outline business case
- to determine what further steps should be taken.
The Working Group intends to hold its first meeting in early April.