Maze decision due 'within weeks'

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What the stadium at the Maze could look like

A decision on whether to build a stadium at the Maze should be taken by the end of this month, according to Finance Minister Peter Robinson.

Mr Robinson said that even if the stadium did not go ahead, something would be built on the site.

He said he had promised his executive colleagues he would present his appraisal within three weeks.

He also said if the Maze stadium was not given the go-ahead, stadia across Northern Ireland would be improved.

"I don't think it is sufficient to say that if the Maze was not to proceed that we would walk away and do nothing with it," he said.

"No more is it sensible to say that if the Maze was not to go ahead that we would do nothing with football, rugby and GAA facilities elsewhere."

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

Sinn Féin 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.