City council has NI stadium plan

Plans have been made to build the stadium at the Maze

Belfast City Council still has plans to build a new Northern Ireland sports stadium, it has emerged.

A new report has outlined options for where the facility could be built.

UUP councillor Bob Stoker, chair of the council's parks and leisure committee, said a comprehensive case had been made for a stadium in the city.

"Some councillors require additional information on site specific questions which will be dealt with over the next couple of months," he said.

He added that a vote on where to build the stadium would be taken by the council in the coming months.

The site for a national stadium in Northern Ireland has divided political opinion.

Sinn Fein has said the party will not support the idea unless it is on the site of the former Maze Prison.

However, some unionists oppose the Maze site because of plans for a conflict transformation centre at the stadium.

The Gaelic Athletic Association, Irish Football Association and Ulster Rugby have all confirmed they would play games at the Maze venue.

The business case for the £240m multi-sports stadium at the Maze is currently with Finance Minister Peter Robinson.

Culture Minister Edwin Poots has said the Department of Finance and Personnel is still studying the project.