IFA 'backs Maze stadium' proposal

Plan includes a new £55m multi-sports stadium

NI football authorities have voted in principle to support a new multi-sports stadium on the former Maze prison site.

The Irish Football Association met in Belfast after being told by Sports Minister David Hanson that he needed a decision before the end of January.

The government wants the 42,000 seater stadium to be used for major football, rugby and gaelic games.

IFA Chief Executive Howard Wells said the decision was in the best interests of football in the province.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: "Obviously we are trying to deliver things that are in the best interests of football.

"There is a lot of emotion. The real issue is that there is a period of time when we will have to work with the other sports and government to work out a business plan which suits football."

Feasibility study

Councillors in Belfast had appealed to the IFA to defer its vote as they hope the stadium will be located in the city.

In March, the government said the Maze site near Lisburn was the only viable location for the new stadium.

Two alternatives to the proposed national stadium at the former Maze Prison site were last year dismissed by Mr Hanson.

Supporters of rival plans for Maysfield and Ormeau Park in Belfast said the Maze site would lack facilities.

The developers behind the Ormeau Park proposal said the feasibility study was complete and would be presented to council members on 23 January.