HC Deb 30 March 1999 vol 328 cc594-6W
Mr. Donaldson

To 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]

Mr. McFall

The 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:

  • 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.

Forward to